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Guest
#237 added December 8, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Richard G. Wells
Location: Mt. Morris, MI
Military: I was a Combat Aircrewman and Aerial Photographer with
many hours on the PBY 5. I had alot of "stick time"
on them, too. Many at night.
Comments: I loved flying those old beauties at NAS Memphis. As
a author, I use photos of them in my books.
Website: ameritech.net/users/bwana/mainpage.html |
Guest
#236 added December 2, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Joy Wells-Padden
Location: Chico, CA
Comments: I am trying to locate a pby plane that was missing
in action August 1952. My grand father,Ebbie Dellmer Wells was
a navigator during WWII. All that my family knows is that he
was flying near Korea. He was a navel officer in the US Navy.
I would just like to know if there is any information that you
might have of the name of the plane or more information regarding
my grandfather. Thank you for relaying any information you may
have regarding the plane or my grandfather. |
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Guest #235 added December 2, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: W. Brough Dorny
Location: Gilbert. Arizona
Age: 60-69
Military: US Army 1968 to 1993 retired.
Comments: A wonderful site of historical value to everyone. I
enjoyed the photos and the flyin Sept 2009 especially. My interest
in PBY's is from association with my brother Louis B. Dorny USN
Ret of Seattle and his studies of the plane and Patrol Wing 10
in the Pacific. I find something of PBY interest as I search
and tell him of it. I hope someday to come to the Northwest and
see the island base there.
Warm regards for your continued success.
Thanks for making my searching rewarding.
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Guest
#234 added November 6, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Robert D Aul
Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
Age: 50-59
Military: U.S.Navy Aviation Structrual Mech. 1976/1980 World
Famous Joly Rogers V.F.-84 F-14 Sqdn. onboard U.S.S.Nimitz 77/80
U.S. Army Res. 90/91 14th. Quarter Master Det. Greensburg Pa.
Comments: My father Robert W. Aul A.M.M.-2 Was at Pearl HarborDec.
7 1941 Served with V.P. 11 and or V.P. 43 hE was a flight engineer,engine
mech. I have many stories he related to me . Many involving Soloman
isles. Newhebredies S. pacific. |
Guest
#233 added November 6, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Clayton Curtis
Location: Salt Lake City,Utah
Age: 80-89
Military: U S Army Air Force P-38 photo-recon pilot secretly
assigned to Yamamoto Shootdown Mission. Shot down 18 April 1943
and ditched on Green Island (see PBY info below)
Comments: Rescued about 26 May 26 1943, by PBY after P-38 ditched
in lagoon on Green Island / Nissan Island on 18 April 1943. Would
love to know if any rescuer has information about rescue. |
Guest
#232 added November 6, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Marsh Campbell
Location: Prescott, AZ
Age: 70-79
Military: US Army Reserve, 1961-68
Comments: I am trying to locate my cousin, if still alive, Gene
Marlin who flew PBY's in the Aluetians during WW II. After WW
II he flew contarcts for the Nany out of Arcida CA
Comments: My older cousin, Gene Marlin (not certain Gene is his
legal first name) was a PBY pilot flying in the Aleutians during
World War II. He is (was) married to a Jeannie Marlin and in
1949 had two sons. I have a picture of him in a fur llined flying
jacket. He told stories of flying over Soviet territory and that
they had fired on him. When my dad died in 1951 I lost track
of Gene and other oldler cousins who also served in the Pacific
during WW II ( Navy and Marines). I have tried with no success
to find if Gene is still alive and where he might be if he is.
Any suggestions as to how I might find out about him and where
he or his family might be today? |
Guest
#231 added November 6, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Ralph Wiley
Location: Medford, Oregon
Age: 50-59
Military: none
Comments: Son of aviation Machinist Mate, Raymond G. Wiley who
flew in one of the Black Cat Squadrons in the Pacific Islands
during the war. I am trying to find out which sqadron it was
and any info about it. Dad is gone now and I need to learn more
about his Navy and war life that I do not know about. I know
very little as he did not talk about it except for some of the
fun stuff. The main thing I do know is that a sister sqadron
painted a PINK whale on the side of their plane and named them
the WHALE KILLERS |
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Guest #230 added October 19, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Martin Cerrone
Location: Norwalk, Ct
Age: 50-59
Military: Only the admiration for the heroes that put everything
on the line then and now so that we all are able to live in the
greatest country in the world.
Comments: My father flew out of Brazil 1941-1944. VP 45. His
Aircraft was flown from Virginia to Pensacola Fla. to be put
on display in the Navy Air Museum. ( I think that was in 1944).
The names he recalls are Capt. Chuck Schwarz, Lt. Barrett and
Ens. Madden.
If I had a single wish, it would be to
get up in a vintage PBY with my dad and brother.
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Guest #229 added October 12, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Len Smallwood
Email: LSMALLWOOD6@satx.rr.com
Location: San Antonio, TX
Age: 60-69
Military: Sole surviving son of a deceased veteran. Classified
4A. My mom lost her brother of the Franklin in April 45 and her
husband (My Dad) in August 45. I was born in early September,
She went into labor the day she got the telegram. She didn't
want me to serve so I didn't.
Comments: I understand my father Lt.jg Leonard F. (Chip) Smallwood
flew the Catalina in the movie Wake Island. I have been unable
to verify this. I have an Officer Qualification Report showing
flight hours for the previous two years, dated 2-45 that shows
120 hours in PBY's and 860 hours in PV-1 & 2's. He was in
VB/VPB-144 in 44 & 45 flying the PV's.
Any one with info about him or the Cat
in the movie will be appreciated.
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Guest
#228 added October 12, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Michael Morrison
Location: Shirley, N.Y.
Age: 30-39
Military: USMC and Army
Comments: My grandfather was a tailgunner and I would like to
know if anyone
knew him. His name was Steve Morrison and he was on the Four
Roses.
Thank You all for your service.
Mike Morrison |
Guest
#227 added October 12, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: J.E. Haley
Location: HARBOR CITY, CA
Age: 70-79
Military: NONE
Comments: I AM SEARCHING FOR INFO ON NAVY TRAINER CRASH OFF LOS
ALAMITOS, CA IN NOV/DEC, 1959. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW, HAROLD GRIMSLEY,
WAS KILLED AND WAS ONLY PERSON THEY DID NOT FIND. |
Guest
#226 added October 1, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: William E. Westlake
Location: Seattle, Wa
Age: 60-69
Military: US Coast Guard Retired 1961 to 1981. Subsistence Specialist
1st Class (Cook) Stationed in Sitka Alaska befor I retired and
Visited Kodiak
Comments: My Dad was stationed in Patrol Squadron 17. I know
at least Sitka and was told he was in Kodiak also. Actually saw
one leave the runway at Metlakatla Alaska on my way to Cordova
Alaska |
Guest
#225 added August 25, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Kurt Feil
Location: Oak Harbor, WA
Age: 20-29
Military: Active Duty
Comments: I just visited the exhibits last weekend at the Seaplane
base, and I thouroughly enjoyed my time there. From the old Canteem
up front to the Sim in the back, I was interested all along the
way. Outstanding experience, thanks in particular to Bruce, who
guided me along as I went through the exhibits |
Guest
#224 added August 13, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Glenn Ray Spear
Location: Munford AL.
Age: 60-69
Military: Retired U.S. Army National Guard SFC served fist gulf
war Desert Shield/Desert Storm attached to the 18th airborne.
23 years total military service
Comments: My father George Lorne Spear, USN, Aviation Chief Radioman
patrol squadron 34 PBY-5 seaplane part of the Black Cat Squadron
official records of the Navy Dept. In the status of missing in
action as of 10 Jan. 1944 Patrol Squadron 34, took off from New
Guina on a night patrol mission over the southwest coast of New
Ireland and failed to return. |
Guest
#223 added August 13, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Gina Yarbrough
Location: Odessa TX
Age: 60-69
Military: father-in-law was a naval pilot (ensign) during WWII
and Korea
Comments: My father-in-law, a naval pilot, flew the PBY during
WWII. He often tells a story of attempting to rescue a downed
plane in the Pacific during a hurricane. On the plane was a general
on his way to sign the peace treaty. The general was not rescued,
but one crewman was. My father-in-law's plane was destroyed in
the rescue attempt, an SOS was sent out, and a merchant ship
rescued the PBY crew and the other man. I can find no mention
of this event on any website. Can anyone help? |
Guest
#222 added July 23, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Thomas Lynch
Location: Plains, Pa
Age: 60-69
Found: Browsing the web
Found More:
Military: USMC 1966-1969 0311 Rifleman
USAFR Retired
Comments: Researching LT Howard Wagenhals USMC. A WW11
Marine Pilot.
He flew PBY aircraft. Would like to know what WW11 Marine
Corps squadron flew the PBY. |
Guest
#221 added May 28, 2009
Name: Fred Nicolau
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Location: Natal, RN
Country: Brazil
Age: 40-49
Found: Recommended by friend
Military: I wish
Comments: I belong to The Rampa Foundation, from Natal,
Brazil. I would like to hear from people related to the veterans
that fought WW2 in Brazil, Natal particulary, but any other city
ok too. www.fundacaorampa.com.br |
Guest
#220 added April 22, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Mike Allegre
Location: Keizer, OR
Military: Maj (ret) USAF
PBY Interest: Like so many Baby Boomers, I didn't learn
from my dad exactly what unit he served with during WWII. I know
he was an aircraft machinest mate to a Naval air unit at Hickham.
He served/flew as a crew chief in PBYs (3, 4, 5?) and also worked
and flew on C-47s. I have his DD-214 equivalent, but am unable
to tell what unit he was assigned to while at Hickham from mid-1944
to war's end.
-----Is
there a resource where I can try and locate this info by looking
at units assigned at Hickham?
-----Thank
you for this website and the memorial at Whidbey. As a retired
USAF officer, I have a great interest in most military aircraft,
especially WWII planes. I must visit soon. |
Guest
#219 added April 14, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Jeannine Melton
Location: Bainbridge, GA
Age: 50-59
Military:
Pby Interest: |
Guest
#218 added April 9, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Judy Keenan Maher
Location: Ramsey, NJ
Age: 60-69
Military: Daughter of deceased Navy veteran
Pby Interest: I am trying to find information about a
plane crash my father, Joseph Daniel Keenan, was in on Feb. 18,
1945 in the South Pacific probably off Guadalcanal. He was in
VJ-13 at the time. He told us that the pilot was killed and the
others survived. There is no mention of it in VJ-13's cruisebook.
I have in my possession the telegram informing my grandparents
of the crash. He flew in a PBY. |
Guest #217 added April 9, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Ronald T. Moran
 Location: Ruther Glen, Va
Age: 50-59
Military: My father, AOC Raymond T. Moran (deceased) was
in VP21 and 102 and I just received the Bronze Star for him last
Friday. He was also in VP62 and flew in the Aleutians after he
got back here from Perth.
Pby Interest: Hello out there all you sailors. I'm looking
for anyone that may have flown with my Dad. He was in from 1935
to 1955. He was on the Langley, the Yorktown and the Lake Champlaign
also. Please drop me an e-mail. Thanks, Ron |
Guest
#216 added March 31, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Dwight Smith
Location: Ingalls, IN
Age: 80-89
Military: US army 1947-1954
Pby Interest: My friend Mr EICHER, served with VP42 at
Whidby and Iwakuni in 1964-1964. He seeks to contact Lt Cmdr
Papas, or any other veterans from VP42 in 64-65. We would be
delighted to hear from you |
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Guest #215 added March 28, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Larry Seth Steinberg
Location: Silver City, NV
Age: 60-69
Military:
Pby Interest: Two members of an experimental B-25 survived
a ditching off Buka Is on 17Feb44. One was my Father SSgt Lester
Steinberg (13thAAF, 42ndBG, 69thBS). Rescued by a dumbo at sea,
he was given a Hawaiian overstamped $1 bill; it has, in faded
ink, "Royal Order of Drips Lester A Steinberg... At sea,
Feb. 18, 1944... off Buka Is" It is very hard to read the
names of the USN crew... perhaps.. James S. Mattof, Patrick Watts,
Robert E. ____ USN, Wm Carlisle O-808101, David Kellman, Warren
Johnson, P Reed, Thos J Price, William S Pure, Bill Cook.
I always thought the number sequence was
an officer's serial #... BUT now believe it refers to Navy BuNo
#08101, assigned to PBY construction No. 920 (Later US civil
N5588V). Can anyone confirm her flying with VP-33 or VP-34? LtJG
Nathan Gordon won his Medal of Honor that week flying from stationing
at Vitu Is to Kavieng Harbor with BuNo #08139... "Arkansas
Traveler" of VP-34. ... Any response or data appreciated.
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 Guest
#214 added March 18, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Pete Sloman
From: Pasadena, CA
Age: 50-59
Military: US Navy '71-'75; CTI3 (Vietnamese, Hanoi dialect);
DLIEC 5/71-4/72; NSA 10/72-12/73; NAVCOMSTAPHIL San Miguel, 1/74-1/75;
USS Chicago (CG-11) summer '74.
Pby Interest: My brother Chris posted a photo of our Dad's
crew at Dutch Harbor (see photos page
-crews -Aleutians). Dad told us that after a particularly
harrowing semi-crash landing, they managed to patch up the plane
with materials on board, thanks to very helpful drawings in the
"owner's manual". After he got home he told his mother
about it; she went upstairs, came back with a roll of blueprints.
"You mean these?" She was an industrial draftsman at
Consolidated and had done the drawings.
She was a beautiful plane; just birdlike
enough to avoid looking like a flying brick.
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Guest #213 added March 9, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Dennis May
From:
Age:
Military:
 Pby
Interest: Unfortunately, my father, Roy May from Indiana,
died when I was 13, before I had any thought to ask him about
his photographs or his experience during the War. I only know
from his separation papers that he enlisted 10/27/42 (when he
was 33 years old) and his date of separation was 11/23/45. I
think he was with the Squadron HEDRON FAW 12 at Key West from
early after his enlistment to about the end of 1944 when he then
was on the USS Alcor in the Pacific.
I don't suppose there is much chance anyone
would recognize my father in the photograph and be able to share
any memories of him, but just in case, my father is in the second
photo, the one where there are three kneeling and four standing
behind them. My father one of the four standing, the one on the
far left. (see photos page -crews-Hedron-FAW12)
Aside from specific memories of my father, I would appreciate
hearing any description of the nature of the operations of these
planes which I understand were hunting submarines.
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Guest #212 added March 6, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: George R. Thenn, Jr.
From: Alameda, CA
Age: 90-99
Military: MAJ, AUS-Ret, Corps of Engineers, United States
Army; active duty: SWPA, 1944-46, "All the say back, with
'Mac,'"
1897th Engineer Aviation Battalion, 6-airstrips.
Pby Interest: My first post-high shool job in 1937 was
as a "Sheet Metal
Helper," with Consolidated Aircraft, Lindberg Field, San
Diego, California. The "X-Models" for the PBY had been
accepted by the Navy, and for the B-24, by the Army Air Corps.
I participated in the manufacture of the
first 13-plane squadrons for each model. Since there were only
the initial, 13-plane orders, Consolidated did not "tool-up"
and did not use mass-producing drop-hammers and steel dies; all
sheet metal was initially formed on wooden forms, heaat-treated
and re-formed--WWII changed all of this, which I was able to
see, personally, when I returned for a summer's work, after my
Freshman Year at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
The incessant noise of many drop-hammers would be a reminder
me later in the war.
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Guest
#211 added February 27, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Tim Newell
From: Waynesboro, MS
Age:
Military: I am a US Marine sniper.
Pby Interest: My Dad, Capt. Dale S. Newell, flew the PBY
with VP24 during WWII in the Pacific. Later with VP 41 in Alaska.
Later flew the PB4Y out of NAS Atlanta. Retired in Oct. 1961.
I'm searching for info on my Dad. I am fairly familiar with the
PBY and it's history. Searching for Dad's WWII PBY info. |
Guest
#210 added February 27, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Mitch Carlson
From:
Age:
Military:
Pby Interest: I'm looking for information about PBY Squadrons
operating out of Brazil in WW2 (could've been only one of two,
actually, depending on dates). My late father, Jack A. Carlson,
LT, USNR, was a pilot with the Natal, Brazil-based unit from
'43 (?) to '45 (?). He was a quiet man, not prone to tooting
his own horn, so I have little information on him other than
the above. |
Guest
#209 added February 26, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Leonard Miller
From: Springdale, Arkansas
Age: 80-89
Military: Staff Sgt. in the 13th Air Force in the 2nd
rescue group of Air Sea & Rescue WW2 June 1943-January 1946
Pby Interest: I was a radio control gunner in the PBY
5a Catalina |
Guest
#208 added February 19, 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Susan Wantuck
From: Sharpsburg GA
Age: 50-59
Military:
Pby Interest: Husband is retired Army |
Guest
#207 added February 13 , 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: Sandy Van Fossen
From: Lakewood, WA
Age: 40-49
Military: none
Pby Interest: I am searching for information on my uncle
shot down over Guadal Canal. My information is vague because
my mother passed and I have very little info to go on. His name
was Herman Sauter. |
Guest
#206 added February 13 , 2009
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
Name: William c. Praegner
From: Sultan, WA
Age: 60-69
Military: none "damm it"
Pby Interest: My dad John Griffith Praegner was a radio
man on a pby during WWII. He flew of Brazil looking for U boats.
Want to find out infromation about his squadron and his record
if I can. |
Guest
#205 added February 13 , 2009
Name: John Sandiford
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
From: Woburn, MA
Age: 50-59
Military: Served in Alaska Air National Guard
Pby Interest: My Father Flew he PBY 5A He wa the MAchini
Mate First Class. They sank a destroyer with it, lost one crewman.
All got the DFC. I am looking for that story/citation. |
Guest
#204 added January 25 , 2009
Name: Dayna Sluder
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
From: Meridian, Indiana
Age: 40-49
Military:
Pby Interest: I located this website while searching for
information regarding a PBY-5A that went missing in 1943 out
of Pensicola. Would love to talk to someone who has any information
regarding the anti-sub patrol during this time. Thanks |
Guest
#203 added January 25, 2009
Name: Jim Lemons
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
From: Omaha, Nebraska
Age: 80-89
Military: Seaman first class, AOM, Aircrewman (NATTC,
Millington, Tenn.)Flew in VP 91 1944 -1945
Pby Interest: Visited NAS Whidbey on Vacation. Would like
to hear from any of the crews at NAS Whidby during my time there.
My plane captain was Lt. Cmdr. Corboy. I was station there when
one of the other pilots flew there crew under the Deception Pass
Bridge. |
Guest
#202 added January 25, 2009
Name: Donald Hoover
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
From: Rome City, Indiana
Age: 70-79
Military: US Navy 04/1951 to 10/1970 Changed rate from
AD to At Retired as ATCS
Pby Interest: I flew as flight mech on two of the PBY's
located at Air Ops, Sangley Point P.I. 1952 to 1954. Flew between
Clark AFB, Subic Bay and Sangley Pt., One trip to Palawan Lepper
Colony with a Catholic priest who was working with the Leppers.
I remember the Glass sight gauges for the fuel level, the mixture
controls, the crank for the wing floats just in case the electrical
system failed and the rid in the bubbles was fantistic. The APU
was pretty noisy though and making a bouy could be a trick. Loved
it!!! great memories. |
Guest
#201 added January 25, 2009
Name: Phil Quirk
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
From: Pawnee, OK
Age: 40-49
Military:
Pby Interest: My father, LT. (jg) Robert James Quirk,
from Chicago Illinbois served in WW11 as Navy pilot, was in Ottumwa
Iowa, Quajalane, looking for anyone who may remember him. He
passed away when i was 11 years old (1971)and did not get to
ask questions about his service years. He was a CHP officer in
Calif. |
Guest
#200 added January 4, 2009
Name: William Schultz
Email: contact webmaster
for contact information.
From: Grand Prarie
Texas
Age:
Found: search engine
Military: Served on Cold Bay Alaska for ten months then
shipped out to Amchitka Island, arriving there the Day after
the Japanese bombed the airfield there.We served under General
Simon Boliver Buckner of the A.D.C. My Outfit was the "203rd
Coast RTILLry Anti Aircraft" Battalion.
Pby Interest: Approxamently two or three weeks ago you
showed a film of this engagement with Japanese. I am writing
this note to inquire how I may acquire a copy Of that engagement |
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