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Guest #313 added February 1, 2012
Email: contact webmaster for contact information.
Name: Earl Wayne Tilley
Location: Hanover, Indiana
Age: 60-69
Military: Kentucky Army National Guard
"A" Battery 138th Artillery 3 years
Army Reserve 5 years
Comments: My dad used to sit at the kitchen table and tell us 8 kids war stories when he served in WW11 on the PBY. There was one story when they were out over the South Pacific one day, and their plane got shot up by the Japs. All of a sudden the pilot lost control and was losing altitude. They finally realized the cables for the rudder had got hit by the Jap fire. My dad was a very small guy, and so was elected to crawl on the outside of the plane, in mid-air, over the ocean, while losing altitude. He managed to get to the cables, repair them, and get back inside, just as the plane was kissing the waves as the pilot managed to pull the plane back up into the air. Thereby saving the whole crew, and I have photo's of my dad being decorated by Admiral Nimitz afterwards at an awards celebration. I am not sure if I have all of the details correct, because it's hard to listen very well , when you have younger brothers and sisters running through the house.
My dad was a great man, and he had a lot of people testifying to it after he died , I am sorry to say, at the age of 44 from a brain tumor.
I am sure he would be proud of his 3 oldest sons , who served. Me, the Army Nat'l Guard and Reserves, my brother next to me who served in the same outfit and was called up for Vietnam, and the brother next to him who served 22 years in the Navy, but passed away a few years ago.
My dad's name was Earl Sanford Tilley, and it sure would be exciting to hear from somebody out there, that might have some information of that day or that even somebody would remember him. Thanks for listening, Earl Wayne Tilley
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Guest #312 added February 1, 2012
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Name: Janet Potter
Location: Henderson, Nevada
Age: 60-69
Comments: My dad, Eugene ("Stick") Marlin flew the PB-Y in the Aleutians from 1943 till the war's end. Does anyone out there remember him?? |
 Guest #311 added January 15, 2012
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Name: Marc Rice Mrakich
Location: Valencia, California
Age: 40-49
Comments: My uncle, Ensign Rodney Rice, was a PBY pilot in the Ascension Island area during the war. He crashed and died in 1943 while taking off with a full bomb load. I was hoping to connect with anyone who may have known him and could possibly tell me more about him and his service.
I have always loved the PBY, and count it as one of my all time favorite planes.
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Guest #310 added January 15, 2012
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Name: Sid Burks
Location: Rancho Mirage, California
Age: 60-69
Comments: I am writing a book on the military history of the Coachella Valley. I am especially interested in the seaplane base at the Salton Sea and related PBY operations. I would appreciate any information anyone might have.
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Guest #309 added January 15, 2012
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Name: Samuel Capizzi
City: Ocean City, New Jersey
Age: 90-99
Military: US Navy-this is for my dad-will be able to give squadron, etc. at a lter date
Comments: Flew PBY's 1943-46 Belin, Brazil, Aleutiian Islds, Kodiak Alaska,
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Guest #308 added January 15, 2012
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Name: Stephanie K. Frieze
Email:
Location: Fox Island, Washington
Country: US
Age: 60-69
Comments: My father, Conrad R. Frieze and his brother Richard S. Frieze were present at Kaneohe NAS on the Island of Oahu on December 7th, 1941 as part of VP11. They were 19 & 20. My father wrote about his experiences during the war and I intend to make a visit to the Memorial. My Uncle Dick Frieze stayed in the Navy and retired from Oak Harbor.
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Guest #307 added January 15, 2012
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Name:Alan Lisitano
Location: Southington, Connecticut
Age: 50-59
Comments: I just buried my dad, he was a nose gunner in the PBY and from as long as I can remember he was so proud that he could fit into that area. Rest in Piece Dad, Seaman First Class (AOM) Salvatore J. Lisitano
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Guest #306 added January 15, 2012
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Name: Lionel (Leo) Caldeira
Location: Pocasset, Massachusetts
Age: 70-79
Military: USMC 1958-1962 Cpl-E4: 1st Bat. 3rd Marine Reg. 3rd Marine Div; 1st. Bat. 9th Marine Reg. 3rd Marine Div; 3rd Bat. 1st Marine Reg. 1st Marine Div.
Comments: I seek any/all info regarding the designations (further below) related to my late brother Adelino who served in the USN during WWII in PBY's between 1944 and 1946. His separation document states the following:
- inducted March 9, 1944
- NTS. Sampson, N.Y.
- Hdq. Sqd. 92 (FAW-9)
- Hdq. Sqd. 5-2
- Hdq. Sqd. 5.
His ratings are listed as:
AS, S2c, Slc, AOM3, Slc.
Unfortunately, family info on his Naval service is basically non-existent.
Several past attempts formally requesting a copy of his complete service record from NARA/National Personell Records Center have been unsuccessfull, they only sent me a copy of his separation document (noted as form 3117). Still waiting to hear from them relative to my last request of Feb. 2011 for status.
My goal: I'd like to identify the locations of the above mentioned duty stations (except for Sampson, N.Y. of course) as well as the particular rating of AOM3c, which I think may be related to "aviation ordinance". Any additional interesting info would of course be a bonus.
I offer my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for any feedback that would be relevent to this mission.
PS: this is a great web-site!
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Guest #305 added January 15, 2012
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Name: Jason Kabakoff
City: Brisbane AU
Age: 40-49
Comments: My Grandfather served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during WWII. He served in both 20 and 11 Squadrons in the Pacific and South East Asia. Both these squadrons were Catalina squadrons. He was a Wireless Radio Operator and Air Gunner (WAG). I have his original flight diary that shows every mission he ever went on, including a sea rescue of five US airmen from a downed B-24 called Doodlebug. If anyone is interested I can email scans of the relevant Catalina pages to them. Likewise, if anyone has any information on the RAAF Catalinas, particularly 20 and 11 Squadrons I would love to hear from you.
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Guest #304 added October 23, 2011
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Name: Robert Thomas
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Age: 90-99
Military: Flight crew and the PBY5A Stationed in Natal, Brazil
Comments: I AM THE NEPHEW OF ROBERTS,AND I AM VERY INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF THE GREATEST GENERATION |
Guest #303 added October 23, 2011
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Name: Marya Morgan
City: Cape May, New Jersey
Comments: My Dad flew PBYs out of the Aleutians during WWII for the Navy. I have caught the PBY bug and read anything I can find about them to further my education on this plane and then men who flew them.
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Guest #302 added October 23, 2011
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Name: Sheri Snively
Location: Jamul, California
Age: 50-59
Military: US Navy Reserve Chaplain: 1993-Present
Comments: My father, A.W.'Bud'Snively flew PBYs as one of the Navy's Silver Eagles (enlisted pilots) in the Pacific during WWII with VP-44 and VP-101. Over the last 12 years I've been chaplain for the Silver Eagles organization and have heard PBY stories from other guys too. Today I helped VPB-117 with a devotional /memorial service at their reunion and so was reminded again of the PBY, its contribution to Naval aviation and the guys who flew them |
Guest #301 added October 23, 2011
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Name: Eddie Harris
Location: Mountain Home, Arkansas
Age: 60-69
Military: US Army Jan 1966-68 Vietnam 66-67
Comments: My Uncle Dalton Rose Stewart was stationed with PatRon VP-23 in Pearl Harbour from abt Sep 1941, my last paper work is dated 18 Jul 1942, coming from class in Conn. going to Pearl for duty FFT PatRon Twenty-three (VP-23). Where was they stationed at Dec 7 1941? |
Guest #300 added August 14, 2011
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Name:Francis Clifton
Location: Deland, Florida
Age: 90-99
Military: Navy 1942-45, PBY Pilot, VP-23. Two years in Pacific, 1943-1945
Comments: PBYs and the crews that flew them... |
Guest #299 added August 7, 2011
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Name: Lesley Bond
Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
Age: 80-89
Military: U.S. Navy April 26 1944 - July 16 1946
Comments: I was stationed at the Oak Horbor Base and worked in the beach crew. After the PBY'S landed on the water, we had to roll the big wheels out to them, and hook them on the plane. Then a tractor driver would pull them up the ramp and over to their parking place to be tied down and secured. |
Guest #298 added August 2, 2011
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Name: Maggie Gaukler
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 60-69
Military: 3 Years USMC - currently Base Protocol Officer at MCB Hawaii (formerly NAS Kaneohe in 1941)
Comments: I am conducting research on NAS Kaneohe and the Kaneohe Klipper Association in preparation for the 70th anniversary of the attack on NAS Kaneohe. Any survivors and/or family members are invited to contact me. Looking for oral histories of the event. Would like to invite all survivors and family members who are able to attend the ceremony on Wedensday, 7 December 2011. Details provided upon request. |
Guest #297 added July 31, 2011
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for contact information.
Name: Peter Versteeg
City: Lelystad, Netherlands
Age: 60-69
Military Background: I personnaly have no military backround. My father and youger brother both had their careers in the Navy. My dad flying the Catalina (and many other planes) and my brother as technical engineer on our Dutch submarines.
Comments: My name is Peter Versteeg. I am a member of a Dutch Foundation called "Friends of the Catalina". My father flew warmissions with the Dutch Navy during WWII and untill 1957 in New-Guinea. So I inherited the PBY virus.
We succesfully fully restored a US Catalina PBY-5A from 1999 - 2004 into flying condition. She was built in Seattle with Buno 2459 (c/n 300). In the war she flew with VP-73 en VP-84. The plane is based in Lelystad in Holland. From 2005 untill 2009 we flew many people around, made many "splash and go's" and visited numerous airshows in Holland and Europe. There are only 2 Catalina's in the world that can take passengers and show them the excitement of a waterlanding.
On October 12th 2010 we inaugurated our brandnew hangar, specially build for maintaining and restoring historical airplanes.
Coming November 15th is the 70th birthday of our airplane. You can understand that November 15th will be a day af remembrance and celebration. While our PR-team was discussing the programm of that day we came up with the idea of trying to explore the possibilty to find out if there are still crew members alive who actually flew our Catalina during the war.
It is well known that our plane is the most succesfull Catalina of WWII in terms of vessels sunk. She sank 3 U-boats (U464,U582 and U194) and damaged one heavily (U528). But apart from the names of alle the Patrol Plane Commanders from 1/2/1942-28/8/1943 and the names of the complete crews who sank the U-boats (see below) we know little about the crews - and their stories -that flew these important missions.
Wouldn't is be nice to show them their plane and let them take their seat again.? During the ceremony we can tell the audience their story. We realize that the chance that they are still alive is very small they must be between 90 and 95. But maybe sons or daughters are interested in their dads plane and want to sit in the same seat he sat in. Maybe they even want to fly with us and experience a waterlanding.! They are more than welcome on her 70th birthday.
I do hope anyone of you can help us find them. www.catalina-pby.nl
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Guest
#296 added June 29, 2011
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Name: John Machado
City: Highland Village. TX
Age: 40-49
Military Background: Former Government Intelligence Analyst (non-mil)
Comments: My grandfather, Surgical Tech Corporal Philip W Carter,
was part of the 4th ERS in Saipan and Iwo. His PBY was the last
to go down in WWII (some think) on August 13, 1945. There was
only one survivor. It was not him. His only child, my mother,
was born 12 days later. |
Guest
#295 added June 29, 2011
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Name: Fred Keeler
City: Akron, Ohio
Age: 60-69
Comments: I am looking for ny information on my father Gordon
Fuqua Keeler(Ruby). He was a flight instructor in the Pennsacola
area as well as the West Coast from 1942 to 1944. In 1944 he
was sent to a Naval base near Chicago and then on to a Carrier
in the Pacific. The only information I have is the picture of
him on a Carrier taken on VJ Day with the note on the back- We
are 300 hundred miles from Tokyo and they decided to quit today.
The other two people in the picture were Lt. Harvey and Ens.
Spain. I do not know his rank other than he retired as a Naval
Lt. Commnander in the Navy and remained in the Reserves until
his death in 1963. |
Guest
#294 added June 29, 2011
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Name: Marie Colgan
City: Shoshoni, State: WY
Age: 60-69
Military Background: descendant of several WWII veterans. Father Army Corp
of Engns. Several; cousins, one uncle for sure.
Comments: My brother in law, E. Gayle Currah was trained in PBYs.
I had asked about his service and he was talking about his plane
and expressed an interest in the members of Flight 19 and was
wondering if he knew any of them as at least one of his buddies
was transferred to Fort Lauderdale and could have been on that
flight. I wanted to surprise him with the list and would appreciate
any more information on PBY crew member from Washinton base training
1943-44. He is still a very spry 86 yr old man and very active. |
Guest
#293 added May 5, 2011
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Name: DENYS CLARKE
City: MAROOCHYDORE, QUEENSLAND
Country: AU
Age: 70-79
Military Background: PILOT ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 1953,
Comments: I cannot find any information of my uncle who flew
for the Brazilian air force, [ navy] Captain Kenneth Lindsay
Molyneaux was a pilot flying a PBY-5A Catalina Flying Boat during
the early part of W.W.2 he sadly lost his life after an aeroplane
disaster in the State of Amapa, [Amazon] while returning from
the U.S.A. 1943. he was decorated with the Legion of Merit by
President Roosevelt of the United States, the Brazilian Ministry
of the Diploma of the air force of the Military Medal. I believe
that seven PBY-5A Catalina's were delivered to Brazil 1943 under
the lend lease agreement. It Saddens me that he lost his life
serving his country, I have not been able to find information
in the Brazilian Air Force archives.
Denys Clarke. |
Guest
#292 added May 3, 2011
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Name: Freeman E. Lively
City: Slidell, Louisiana
Age: 80-89
Military Background: US Navy - Inducted 7-23-43 Discharged 3-19-46
Comments: I was in CASU 58.1 on Green Island. I was a 1st class
machinest and carburetor specialist. When the PBY'S left Green
I followed them to Samar and changed to CASU 42. |
Guest
#291 added May 3, 2011
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Name: Barbara Bonner Harrington
City: Worcester, Massachusetts
Age: 60-69
Military Background: Daughter and only child of John P. Bonner, Boston,
MA, who enlisted in the Navy 11 Dec. 1941. His wartime service
was in the Caribbean and the South Pacific as a member of Patrol
Squadron 81, the Black Cats.
Comments: He earned Air Medals with the Black Cats for activity
in 1943 and 1944, awarded posthumously. He died in a Navy plane
crash just 4 minutes into a flight from San Diego on August 1,
1946 when I was 10 weeks old. Rank AMM2c. I would love to be
in contact with anyone who might have known him. Thank you. |
Guest
#290 added May 3, 2011
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Name: Ruben Collazo JR
City: Seabeck, WA
Age: 40-49
Military Background: Retired FT1(SS)
Military Police Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan
USS Houston SSN-713, San Diego, CA
US Navy Recruiter, NRS Fontana, CA, NRD San Diego, CA
USS Dixon AS-37 San Diego, CA
USS Bermingham SSN-695, Pearl Harbor, HI
"C","A" and Sub School, Groton CT
Comments: Worked at Whidbey Island after retirement, I went up
a few times and found it very interesting, and picked up some
model planes.
Yesterday 27 March 2011, my son and I went up to Whidbey and
saw the PBY up on the hill and went and took some pictures by
it, Thanks.
Let me know when it is completely set up for display. We will
come back up to see it. |
Guest
#289 added May 3, 2011
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Name: Joseph Yenna
City: Brooklyn, State: NY
Age: 40-49
Military Background:
Comments: My Great Uncle, Joseph Sottolano (nicknamed Scotty),
flew as a flight engineer in a PBY out of Brazil during WWII.
It was shot down over the Atlantic, two crew members survived,
including my uncle. I am trying to find any information I can
obtain about his flight crew, and the incident. |
Guest
#288 added May 3, 2011
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for contact information.
Name: Robert T. West
City: Manchester, State: MO
Age: 70-79
Military Background: No military service --- 40 year career in the aircraft
industry .
Comments: Lifelong fascination with PBY a/c ; college roommate
was a crewman on PBY a/c in post WW 2 Navy . Personally , I am
a retiree from McDonnell Douglas where I had a 40 year career
in engineering . |
Guest
#287 added May 3, 2011
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Name: R. DOUGLAS KRAUS
Location: CONCORD, CA
Age: 60-69
How did you find us? I MADE A VISIT TO MUSEUM 2000-2001
Military Background: US.NAVY 1964-1969 SERVED ONBOARD U.S.S. SALISBURY SOUND
AV-13 FROM 1964-1967 HOME PORT WIDBEY ISLAND. FORMER SFM/2ND-CLASS
WE WORKED WITH VP-SQUDRONS VP-40-47-&48 VIETNAM 2 TOURS.
Comments: NAVY AIRCRAFT FROM WW/2 TO PRESENT DAY IAM A VOLUNTEER
ONBOARD THE USS HORNET CVS-12 ALAMEDA I HELP RESTORE NAVY AIRCRAFT
FOR DISPLAY KEEPS ME BUSY AND DOING WHAT I LOVE |
Guest
#286 added March 5, 2011
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Name: David Floren
City: Livermore, CA
Age: 40-49
Military Background: Grandson of Wallace J. Hanna (US Navy officer assigned
to Kaneohe Naval Air Station during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack,
and founding member of Kanehoe Klippers memorial association);
civilian employee of the US Coast Guard (2002, Coast Guard Island,
Alameda, CA)
Comments: I'm looking for a good photo of the Kaneohe Klippers
memorial stone at the Kaneohe Marine air station. |
Guest
#285 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Nancy L McDaniel
City: Chimacum, WA
Age: 50-59
Military Background: Retired from the US Air Force Medical Service Corps
in 1997 with the rank of Colonel. Attended Naval War College
off campus program in DC.
Comments: Am currently compiling a book featuring military installations,
lighthouses, military history museums, throughout the Puget Sound
area. After seeing your website I need to come and visit you
soon! There is a lot of material I need to chat with you about
for inclusion in the book. |
Guest
#284 added March 5, 2011
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Name: J.E. (Jack)Rudeen
City: Cupertino, CA
Age: 80-89
Military Background: WW[at-symbol] PBY pilot
Comments: Looking for Squadron Patches PBY and Black Cat only |
Guest
#283 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Ron Moran
City: Ruther Glen, Va
Age: 50-59
Military Background: DoD civilian employee. Member of American Legion and
Navy League.
Comments: My Dad was with VP21,101,102 and 62 as an AOC in WW
II. I am still looking for anyone who may have served with him.
I'm also looking for any crew pictures of his squadrons. Hi name
was Raymond Thomas Moran. You can read my story on this website
or by googling Raymond T. Moran. OBTW this group helped me find
out allot about my dad. Win and Adolph are awesome!!! Thanks
guys!!! V/R Ron Moran |
Guest
#282 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Judy Keenan Maher
City: Ramsey, NJ
Age: 60-69
Military Background: My dad, Joseph Daniel Keenan, CMMM, was in the Pacific
from July 7,1942 until August, 1945. He was with VP-72, Fleet
Wing One, V-J-13 and VJ-7.
Comments: Is there anyone out there that knew my dad? He always
talked about the PBYs and what a good plane it was. He died in
1990 and I'm sorry I didn't write more of his stories down. |
Guest
#281 added March 5, 2011
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Name: timothy gardner
City: wasilla, alaska
Age: 40-49
Military Background: I spent 8 yrs in the marines in a force recon unit
and I'm a vet. from the first gulf war. thanks to all the men
and women who served before me.
Comments: I've been a history buff most all my life especially
ww2 and living in alaska makes it all the better. I'm in the
process of building a large scale rc pby because of the unique
role they played in the war in the allutians.the model has 108"
wingspan and will be made from blue foam.any kind of pictures
would be helpfull in the project and thanks again to all the
vets including my dad ret usn |
Guest
#280 added March 5, 2011
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Name: James D. Webber
City: Reno, Nv.
Age: 80-89
Military Background: USNavy Seabees
Comments: Interest in famous battelground, Lives were lost,some
never to return. |
Guest
#279 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Jim Wilcher
City: Louisville, Ky
Age: 50-59
Military Background: USAF 71-75 served at Hickam,Hawaii and Mt Home Idaho
Comments: My dad flew in PBY's during WW II in Iceland and was
stationed in several locations along the Northeast coast,ie Quonset
Point RI,Boston MA and several other areas.My Dad was stationed
on board the USS Oklahoma during Pearl Harbor raid then later
stationed with PBY,s on Aviation Maintenance.Just trying to retrace
footsteps in history now. |
Guest
#278 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Robert Albee
Location: Simi Valley, Calif
Age: 50-59
Military Background: US Army 2 years
Comments: Excellent source for info. |
Guest
#277 added March 5, 2011
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for contact information.
Name: Tom Travis
Location: FT Bragg, NC
Age: 40-49
Military Background: US Army Aviator. My father was a PBY crewmember during
WW II. Served in the Pacific. VP-51 |
Guest
#276 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Jemmy
Location: Houston, TX
Age: 20-29
Comments: Great PBY website, nice to visite this great website.
I hear that many people looking for the same interest here. rc
helicopter |
Guest
#275 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Rusty Durham
Location: Easley, SC
Age: 40-49
Comments: I am looking for any information about my Grand Uncle,
Joseph "Carl" Durham. I've grown up with stories about
him be stationed at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941 and helping remove
Some generals from the island either during, or shortly after
the attack. Any information about any of this will help. I know
he was on a PBY, and was supposedly flying reconnaissance when
the attack started, and was called back to help. |
Guest
#274 added March 5, 2011
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Name: janet holt
Location: waynesboro, tn.
Age: 50-59
Comments: father was on uss sanfrancisco during ww2 |
Guest
#273 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Douglas V. Johnson II
Location: Carlisle, PA
Age: 60-69
Military Background: 30 Years commissioned service, 17 DAC. PhD in History
from Temple University under PROF Russell F. Weigley.
Comments: I am searching for information on Samuel D. Rahal,
brother of Nicholas David Rahal of Carlisle, PA, a retired Attorney,
and new friend. Flew out of Alaska, but was shot down - probably
on Hainan Island - whlie with VPB 117. |
Guest
#272 added March 5, 2011
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Name: Kenneth Claypool
Location: Carlsbad, California
Age: 80-89
Military Background: Navy Patrol Squadrons VBP-61 in the Aleutians &
VPB-106 in the Philippines
Comments: I would like to hear from James Juliana, I think I
flew with his Uncle in VPB-61. Are there any other AOM's from
these squadrons out there? |
Guest
#271 added March 5, 2011
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Name: James E. Harellson
Email: jjharelson@cox.net
Location: Tempe, az
Age: 80-89
Military Background: navigator in Army Air Force Feb. 1942 to Nov. 1947.
two yrs in Hondo Texas, student & instructor and two yrs
in South Pacific from Nadzab,New Guinia to Okinawa in OA-10A
attached to 5th airforce
Comments: Thanks to the rugged PBY I returned from the war. It
was amazing it held together with the beating it took on open
sea landings and particulary the take offs. Aslo the skill of
my pilot, Alvin (Red) Johnson and the two flight engineers Jack
Nason and Jay Waggoner that were responsible for the engine maintenance
as we had no other support group. |
Guest
#270 added July 11, 2010
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Name: Roy Thomas
Location: Land O Lakes, Florida
Age: 40-49
Comments: We are looking for group photos of our father from
US Coast Guard 1941-1943 LST-761 Daniel Yarbrough he is 90 and
would love to have it |
Guest
#269 added July 11, 2010
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for contact information.
Name: Jack Horton
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Age: 50-59
Comments: My father, Howard "Jack" Horton, was a on
a PBY crew in Panama during World War 2. Would like to hear from
anyone who knew him then. He's a young 86 and doing well. |
Guest
#268 added July 11, 2010
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Name: Catherine Graves
Location: Austin, TX
Age: 50-59
Military Background: USN
Comments: I'm trying to do some research for a friend of mine
on his father, Ensign Wylie M. Hunt. I believe he flew a PBY
in WWII and show he was on the POW camp roster for Roduroshi
Camp, Honshu Japan. He was shot down over the Artic Ocean and
I show his unit as VP41 Pat Wing 4. I believe he was only one
of 3 rescued from him unit but am not sure. If anyone has any
other knowledge of him, I would appreciate it. It appears he
also served in the Korean War in a flying unit called the "Blue
Sharks" and was Squadrons Operations officer and PPC. Thanks
for any help or information you may have. |
Guest
#267 added July 11, 2010
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W. Brough Dorny Major USA Ret
Location: Gilbert, Arizona
Age: 60-69
Military Background: US Army 1968 to 1993 (active and reserve duty)
Comments: My brother Commander Louis B Dorny has done research
on the PBY and even published a booklet on it. As I spend time
on Goggle Earth in my retirement I see a PBY photo and alert
him to it. She is a beautiful plane, distintive and pleasing
to the eye. There is one under restoration at Glendale Airport
AZ which is near Luke AFB and I stop by and see it every three
months when I visit the Luke AFB. Your work is one of love and
honor for those whom serviced and flew in this plane. Thanks
for all your work. It is a dream of mine to visit your location
if I get to Seattle to visit my brother. Thanks for making history
real.
BDorny |
 Guest #266 added July 11, 2010
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for contact information.
Name: Jack Frame
Location: Gaithersburg
State: MD
Age: 50-59
Found: Search engine
Found More:
Military Background: none
Comments: My father, Mark B. Frame (photo) was a co pilot on
a PBY in the Pacific theatre during WW II. He was stationed in
the Philippines and was part of the 6th Emergency Rescue Squadron.
I have many pictures and stories. |
Guest
#265 added July 11, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Jenny Scott
Location: Adelaide, SA
Country: Australia
Age: 50-59
Military Background: Air Force Brat 1950s
Comments: Dear PBY Memorial Foundation,
Thanks for a great website.
I am currently researching the history of RNZAF No.6 Flying Boat
Squadron 1943 to 1945 with a view to writing a book. Last month
we unveiled 6 Squadron's Battle Honours at RNZAF Whenuapai
and flew over Auckland in the NZ Catalina Groups
PBY
I have photos of 6 Squadron and Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands also
used by US Navy VP Squadrons on Flickr.
I am interested in hearing from anyone with a similar interest
particularly people who may know of US bomber and fighter aircrew
rescued by New Zealand PBYs Solomon Islands 1943-1945 |
Guest
#264 added Juy 5, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Mark Watts
Location: Oak Harbor State: WA
Age: 30-39
How did I Find this site: Sign in front of your new "Cat"
Military Background: 7 years active Army. Dept of Navy employee 8 years.
Comments: It's just such a neat airplane! |
Guest
#263 added Juy 5, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Ron Fiedor
Location: Chicago, IL
Age: 60-69
Military Background: Retired USN RESERVES Stationed NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND 1966-69
served later with VP-60 1981-92 then CV-62 USS Independence
1993-98(Reservist AT-2)
Comments: My father was stationed at the Seaplane Base in 1943.
He talked of ferrying older PBY's to Russian Women Pilots in
Kodiak, Alaska (spoke Polish and acted as an interpreter). My
dad, Walter Fiedor got out in 1945 as a Machinist Mate 1st Class
and was a crew chief in a Black Cat Squadron. When he was at
Whidbey Island (1943) he and his crew were grounded for a month
when it was discovered that they flew under the Deception Pass
span. I later learned from retired ground crew member how they
were caught upon landing! My dad dies in 1992 and could not remember
which VPB he was in but I remember the stories of being picked
up once by a US sub and also by a Russian Cruiser after damage
to their PBY. One of my Dad's officers stayed in the Navy and
in the early 50's came to our house, I think he was an instructor
with Cougars or Panthers(by the photographs he showed us). Hope
someone has some knowledge of his Navy career or can remeber
any of the above. |
Guest
#262 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Richard Frisch
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Military Background: None, but father and brother served in the United States
Navy.
Comments: I was delighted to be invited to the dedication ceremony
today at Simard Hall. I felt the CO of the base did a beautiful
presentation, it was very moving to see a few remaining servicemen
and persons that witnessed the construction of the NAS. Hy heartfelt
thanks to Ed hammond for the great opportunity to witness a great
moment in the history of Whidbey NAS, and to all our servicemen
that have worked so hard, and sacrificed so much to insure the
countinued frredom of our great nation. |
Guest
#261 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Louis Dorny
Location: Seattle, WA
Country: US
Age: 60-69
I'm a Lifelong naval aviation buff -
Military Background: USN/NR - ship driver, Russian linguist, NSG/SIGINT
operations.
Comments: Patrol Wing TEN (VP 101, VP 102, VP 22), Philippines
- Dutch East Indies, including Dutch Navy X- & Y-boats, &
No. 205 Sq, RAF, 1939-1942. Always looking for veteran/survivor
experiences and remembrances. |
Guest
#260 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Linda Scarpino
Location: Oxnard, CA
Age: 60-69
Military Background: None
Comments: My father flew PBY's during the war. |
Guest
#259 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Glen Scott Sheppard
Location: Palm Harbor, FL
Age: 60-69
Military Background: My father, Robert D. Sheppard, was the co-pilot on
the PBY that made an unscheduled landing on 14 Aug 44, on the
river by Laurieton, NSW, Australia, with Bob Hope, Jerry Colonna,
Tony Romano, Patty Thomas, Frances Langford and Barney Dean on
board. I am retired Army Chief Warrant Officer.
Comments: Trying to find the Hope PBY my dad flew. Do not have
the serial nbr but believe the nickname was "Spare Gear"
and the Pilot's last name was Ferguson. Also know Lt William
A. (Joe) Stinson was on board. He later was the best man at my
parents' wedding. Appreciate any information re the plane or
the Hope tour in the South Pacific July - Sept 1944. Be happy
to share a few pictures of the PBY with Hope and his troupe on
sandbar in Laurieton in 1944. |
Guest
#258 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Ray Price Jr.
Location: Frederick, MD
Age: 80-89
Military Background: USNR from 3/6/45-7/20/46
Comments: My father, Ray S. ("Rip") Price (born in
1890) was an ACMM in VP11 when the squadron received PBYs at
USNAS San Diego in 1936. He was plane crew and flew on the long
distance flights made in the late 1930s. The squadron was transferred
to Norfolk NAS about 1939 and was there on Dec 7, 1941. About
that time I believe that VP51 was split off from VP11 and he
went with that squadron. I remember they left to fly the planes
to Honolulu a few days after the Pearl Harbor attack. The squadron
then went to the Aleutian Islands when the Japanese took Kiska
and Attu. After several months there he was promoted to Warrant
Officer and transferred to NAS, Pensacola and promoted to Lt,
JG and made Officer-in-Charge of the Patrol plane overhaul there.
He was an accomplished artist and it was he who painted the VP11
insignia of Odin and the ravens. He died in the early 1970s.
If anyone remembers him, I'd like to hear.
Ray Price, Jr ( I'm his 83-year-old son) |
Guest
#257 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Siggy
Location: Palm Bay, Florida
Country: US
Age: 50-59
Military Background: US NAVY, aircraft carrier arresting gear work
Comments: Thank you all WW-2 veterans for what you did for us,
it is very much appreciated !!! I make leather flying unit patches
of WW2 era USN/USMC/USAAF |
Guest
#256 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: John Hughes
Location: Covington, WA
Age: 50-59
Military Background: None Myself. My father was in USN during WWII.
Comments: My father served as ARM2c in VP-63 (Catalina PBY 5A)
from about Jan 1942 - July 1944. Duty stations included San Deigo,
San Francisco, Jacksonville, Grand Caman, Iceland, Pemroke Dock,
England & Port Lyautey, Frenc Morroco. He received the Distinguished
Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravey in flight from 25 Jul 1943
- 15 December 1943. |
Guest
#255 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Leo Caldeira
Location: Pocasset, Ma
Age: 60-69
Military Background: USMC (HD) 58'-62'.
Comments: I am researching my late brother's military service
(he was 20 years my senior). He served in the US Navy from 1944
- 1946 and I believe he was attached to the PBY's (maybe FAW
9?) at Quonset Point NAS, RI. I continue to seek all info related
to Quonset Point NAS, especially the PBY branch on station there,
its status and activities during those WWII years. Plus, my general
interest in that specific and awesome plane, its history, the
courageous crews who flew them and its areas of global operations
during WWII. |
Guest
#254 added June 16, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Gary Swallow
Location: Charlotte State: nc
Age: 50-59
Military Background: My father is Lt. Cmdr., Ret. George C. Swallow, age
89. He and my mother are still with me and we've only recently
talked about his experiences during the war.I'd like very much
to put together an informational and pictorial album when I visit
him this July for their 60th wedding anniversary. He is quintessential
"greatest generation" guy who did his duty, came home,
went to work as a teacher and raised three kids. He's not very
exacting about squadron numbers and the like, but I know he trained
at Squantum Air Base in Massachusetts, flew the two engine PBY's
in the pacific. He finished the war on Guam in the VR-10? squadron.
He was flying a specially equipped plane which had a million
candlepower searchlight on the wing tip and hunted barges and
supply vessels. He was training to support beach assaults on
Japan when the war ended. He chuckled when saying he had to fly
at roughly a 45 degree downward angle when firing his machine
guns or the plane would stall.
I'm just beginning to research the role of this plane and the
wonderful men who flew them and would like to hear from anyone
who can steer me in the right direction to research squadron
histories, aircraft specifics, etc.
I know he has much information from his training days including
crew pictures and the like. He is way old school and does not
have a computer.
Comments: Just from the above. It is a beautiful plane and my
dad spoke glowingly about his time in the pilot's seat. |
Guest
#253 added March 26, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: James Bennett
Location: Bend, OR
Age: 40-49
Found: Search engine
Found More:
Military Background: Father James E. Bennett retired USN, Active 1942-1945
Reserves 1945-1965+/-
Comments: My father Lt. James E. Bennett flew P2V Neptunes on
west coast sub patrol from late 40's to mid 60's as USNR - Looking
for anyone who flew with him. I know he flew out of Alameda,
Whidby, Kodiak and other west coast locations |
Guest
#252 added March 25, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Rick Gilhousen
Location: Anacortes, Wa,
Age: 50-59
Found: Knew about plane and just looked it up on the net
Military Background: None just in the draft for the time i was 18 to i believe 34 0r 36 I wanted to be in the sevice so bad but I had a kidney opperation they fixed and put it back in but if they let me in. I had to sign a waver that if i had any problem with my kid that they would not give me any compensation so I would have been dead in the water. So i talked to some uper brass guys and they all told me i was crazy to inlist so upon their advise I stayed out but every man in my family on the Gilhousen side fought in just about every war from the first world war to Korea. My grand father fought in the first and second world war my father fought in the second world war and fought in seven different major battles in the war he was at normond also I think he said he was in the nave my dads name was Gail W. Gilhouse.
Comments: I'm interested in it just because I think it
is one of the most beautiful planes ever built and it still today
serves as a fire fifgter today. I believe canada got some from
us for forest fire fighting not sure but I saw a program on tv
and I think they said they bought several planes from the U.S.A.
and are using them for that . Thank you for this site it helps
full and a very nice tribute to this beautiful piece of workmen
ship. Rick Gilhousen |
Guest
#251 added March 25, 2010
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Richard Davidson
Location: Houston, Texas
Age: 50-59
Comments: I am trying to find out what kind of plane my dad,
Robert N. Davidson,USMC was in when it crashed into the sea off
the coast of Santa Barbara Ca.. It could have been a PBY as I
see a reference to a similar crash (07/08/42 USMC plane crashed
in Prisoner's Bay between Santa Cruz Island and Santa Barbara.
It's five occupants were able to swim safely ashore). From what
I remember he was the only one hurt with a broken leg. My sister
has lost the newspaper clipping and I would like to know more.
I thought several planes had gone down that day due to fog so
this one listing could be misleading. Thanks, DIck Davidson |
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