NOTE: The following are excerpts from one of my father's personal diaries during the WWII years. This is purposely not a carbon copy of the original. My intention here is to provide an insight for readers into the life of an Army Air Force soldier, his work with B26 Martin Marauder light bombers (with specific aircraft identified, which may be of interest to some), and his comments about buddies and acquaintances in the service (which may be of interest to those named who are still with us, and their descendents). Whenever one encounters brackets, "[" and "]", around text, that text was added by myself, either for clarification, or to omit text not pertinent to the purposes listed above. -Joseph B. Sheppard
4-19-42: I am assigned as one of the crew on a B-26A aeroplane, but have been working with
crew on a B-25A.
Lt. Maxwell gave us a swell talk yesterday.
4-22-42: Notified to pack our things. We left tonight.
4-23-42: On train, not positive where we are going but think it is Columbia Army Airbase.
4-24-42: Arrived in Columbia early this morning. We live in tents at Columbia Army Airbase.
4-25-42: There are a lot of B-25-Cs here.
[page ends in original diary]
4-26-42: Missed Mass, our Master Sgt. said we are in the field, now that we will have church at
work. (No church going).
4-27-42: A great many of our men were transferred to the 17th Bomb Group today. Reassigned (I
am) to a new crew on a B-25A. M/Sgt. Lazor recommended me for aerial gunnery school. Had to
take physical. Scar on both ear drums, Weak right ring (no hernia). Have to go back tomorrow to
have pulse taken again. I should think if I can qualify physically for this I should have qualified
for Flying Cadet also.
[page ends in original diary]
4-28-42: Went to Wedgefield to visit [friends]. Pulled complete
inspection on a B-18A aeroplane to be accepted by HQ, HQ Squadron, 21st Bomb Group,
Columbia, SC.
4-29-42: Drove “Electric Tug” towing aeroplanes around field. Saw a B-25C land on its belly, no
one got hurt.
4-30-42: Packed my things to go to Aerial Gunnery School. Got two letters.
5-1-42: Left Columbia Army Air Base 2:00pm for Tyndall Field, Panama City, Florida. Arrived in Panama City and Tyndall Field.
5-2-42: Spent day at home in Pensacola. Caught bus, [saw friends].
[page ends in original diary]
5-3-42: Started school today in “Aerial Gunnery” at Tyndall Field, Florida. I was assigned section leader of section I class (42-23).
5-4-42: Studied 30 Cal. M2 Modified machine gun (automatic)
5-5-42: Don’t seem to be getting much out of this school. We jump from one thing to something
else every hour.
5-6-42: Failed one exam, I lack initiative, feel lazy, Can’t study. Wrote 3 letters.
5-7-42: Passed all exams in school today. I believe the exercises were what I needed.
[page ends in original diary]
5-8-42: Saw Frank Ward. He is here to go to Aerial Gunnery School. Made 100% on one exam
and 94% on another exam. Studied Sperry gun turrets.
5-9-42: Hitched-hiked with W.F. Ward to Pensacola.
5-10-42: Spent nice day at home with folks on “Mother’s Day”. Went to Mass and Holy
Communion with Dad. Talked to Dudley[brother] on phone from N.C. He graduates from Officer's
Candidate School this week. Arrived back to Tyndall Field, Florida about 11:00 P.M.
5-11-42: Took physical exam (Form 6-4) for flying. Same as one I took for Cadet's (and failed), but not quite as strict. First Kahn blood test I have ever had (Think I passed).
[page ends in original diary]
5-12-42: Went to school.
5-13-42: Spoke to a Lieutenant about getting off [for personal reasons] He would not let me off.
5-14-42: Went to school.
5-15-42: Went to school.
[page ends in original diary]
5-16-42: Got week-end pass. Went to Pensacola with Frank Ward, caught ride on “Regal Bear” truck.
5-17-42: Left Pensacola (after going to Mass & Holy Communion and spending the day at home) for Tyndall Field, Fla.
5-18-42: Aerial Gunnery School.
5-19-42: Got pass [to go into town]. Had to be back at
post at 10:00 P.M.
[page ends in original diary]
5-20-42: Got pass, went in town. Got back to post at 10:00 P.M. (Went to school)
5-21-42: Went to school. Fired 30 Calibre Machine guns on Harmonization Range. Stayed in tonight.
5-22-42: Went to school. Got pass, wnet in town, went to see [friend’s] in St. Andrews.
5-23-42: I went to Pensacola by bus [to see] my folks. Brother Dudley still home. Saw [friends].
[page ends in original diary]
5-24-42: Went to Evelyn’s[sister] graduation, Heard Bishop Toolen talk and discourage “A Woman’s Army”. I agree with him. Told Dudley goodbye.
5-25-42: Went to town. Got Evelyn candy for graduation from High school. Talked to [friends]. Had Ice cream Sunday with [friend].
5-26-42: Wrote letters, operated turrets on apron (Martin, Sperry, Bendix, Consolidated) Talked to 1st Sgt. about Officer's Candidate School.
5-27-42: Shot 12 gauge shot gun on skeet range. Took final exam on Aircraft Recognition. Athletics 1 Hr.
[page ends in original diary]
5-28-42: Shot skeet to qualify today. I got 31 out of 50. Qualify as expert on 12 gauge shotgun, also on machine gun.
5-29-42: Cleaned barracks in the morning. Operated gun turrets in afternoon: Bendix upper & lower, Sperry ball & upper, Martin upper, & Consolidated tail turret.
5-30-42: Caught a ride on a U.S. Engineer’s truck to Pensacola.
5-31-42: Spent day at home with family. Went to Mass and Holy
Communion together.
[page ends in original diary]
6-1-42: Went up in the air for the first time in an Army aeroplane. Shot 200 rounds on machine gun at towed target. Wrote letter to Major Daily for advice on Officer’s Administrative School.
6-2-42: Talked to T.K. Worthington and Dangler and A. Musslin.
6-3-42: Weather too bad to fly. Saw “Camel Caravan” show.
6-4-42: Went to line to fire & fly, but we had inclement weather and did not get to fly. Went to movie on Post.
[page ends in original diary]
6-5-42: Went up second time - shot 200 rounds at relative speed target. Had parachute on and safety belt. Saw movie with Frank Ward.
6-6-42: Read the “Following of Christ”. Wrote letters. Study “I.C.S.” - arithmetic. Mailed letter
to Major Daily, asking advice on Officers Cadet School. Went to post theater, saw movie.
6-7-42: Fired 200 rounds during back and forth under target. Got 31 hits out of 200 rounds.
Sure like flying. Went to Mass and Holy Communion on post.
6-8-42: Added up my total score at firing on target from aeroplane. I got 112 hits, had to have 60
to qualify. 600 rounds were fired.
[page ends in original diary]
6-9-42: Read in “Our Sunday Visitor” that Major Patrick E. Nolan is Post Chaplain of Kessler
Field, Biloxi. He is a swell priest. Left for Columbia, S.C. Paid $176.00.
6-10-42: Arrived in Columbia, S.C. Put things in tent. Got pass and went to visit [friends].
6-11-42: Arrived at field at noon. Found out when we were
to leave for Meridian[MS].
6-12-42: Spent day with friends. They had a big barbecue. Spent
night at Columbia Air Base.
[page ends in original diary]
6-13-42: Left Columbia, S.C. this morning for Meridian [MS], no Pullman available. Arrived in Birmingham and spent night there.
6-14-42: Left Birmingham for Meridian. Arrived at Key Field about noon. Missed Mass.
6-15-42: Sent Dad a “Father’s Day” card, sent Mary[sister] a card and box of hankies for birthday, Laurie[brother] baseball set for his birthday, Ginger Ann[niece] a doll set and card for birthday.
6-16-42: Wrote letters to Major Daily and Major Patrick E. Nolan (Kessler Field - Father Nolan). Wrote letters home.
6-17-42: Went down to hanger. M/Sgt. T. Lazor assigned me on crew on B-25C. Started taking Form 63 physical for Officer’s Candidate School. Talked to Levin.
[page ends in original diary]
6-18-42: Finished taking physical. Talked with Elliot Levin. Saw M/Sgt. Lazor at restaurant. Asked his advice on officer’s school, showed him appliction. Gave him pint “Calverts” in appreciation for sending me to gunners school.
6-19-42: M/Sgt. Lazor said he thought I would make a good officer. Got [two]letters. M/Sgt. Lazor reassigned me on crew on B-26B. Worked on it.
6-20-42: Went on hike and then to Aircraft Identification movie. Then worked on B-26 aeroplane. I heard today that the line chief, M/Sgt. Tomas Lazor has recommended me for
Corporal.
[page ends in original diary]
6-21-42: Went to Mass at Chapel at Key Field. Worked on B-26B. Wrote letter.
6-22-42: Got letter from home. Lt. D.G. Sheppard[brother] is at Angels[?] Island, Ft. McDowell, San Francisco, CA.
6-23-42: Worked on brakes on a B-26B. Talked to First Sgt. Davison. Saw movie on post - Tortilla Flats” with Spencer Tracey & Hedy Lamar.
6-24-42: Heard we were to leave for Tampa, Fla. tomorrow. Talked to Grey Smith, from Pensacola. He is married now and is S/Sgt., 798th Ordinance Supply, Key Field.
[page ends in original diary]
6-25-42: Loaded equipment in box cars. Got transferred from HQ & HQ Squadron, which is
splitting up, into 315th Squadron, 21st Bomb Group. Left Key Field for MacDill, Tampa, FL.
Went to Atlanta, GA.
6-26-42: On train headed for Tampa. Read Reader’s Digest. My stomach is upset. Went through Jacksonville, Fla.
6-27-42: Arrived at MacDill Field. Wrote eleven letters to friends and family. Went to War Department Theatre and saw movie. Wrote Major Daily & Major Nolan & Lt. D.G. Sheppard.
6-28-42: Went to Confession, Mass, & Holy Communion at chapel on MacDill Field. 21st’s
Chaplain Father Myers said Mass. Had picture taken for pass. Drank beer with R. Diamond.
[page ends in original diary]
6-29-42: Unloaded box cars in Tampa for HQ & HQ Squadron, 21st Bomb Group from Key Field,
Meridian, Miss. Read paper and Life magazine.
6-30-42: Got letter from Major Patrick E. Nolan recommendation for officer’s training. I am not assigned to my duties yet.
7-1-42: Went to hangar at work call. Worked on B-26B aeroplane. Got letter of recommendation from Major E.E. Daily for officer’s training. Saw friends.
7-2-42: Felt very low mentally today. Trying to get transferred and don’t seem to be getting any place. Payday, but I was redlined (no pay). I am still in 315th Bomb Squadron, 21st Bomb Group. No chance to get a rating here.
[page ends in original diary]
7-3-42: Saw officer & Sgt. of the 320th Bomb Group about getting transferred into 442nd Bomb Squadron. Walked around with Schlottman. Bought book (“Current Spanish”). Read “The Following of Christ” and thought over the way I have felt.
7-4-42: On a detail cleaning windows. Went to town, got my clean suit and left one to be cleaned. Talked to [friend]. Went to movie at Tampa Theatre - “Reap the Wild Waves”
7-5-42: Went to hanger, worked on B-26B. Went to Mass, talked to Schlottman. My name was put on list to transfer to 320th Bomb Group, don’t know yet if it will go through. Talked to Mother and Dad long distance.
7-6-42: Worked on two B26-Bs. Was assigned as crew on B-26B (41-17655, S/Sgt. Blazicevch [Blazicevich?] crew chief). Started going to O.T.U. school. Put on combat crew, will start flying as Student Aerial Engineer tomorrow.
[page ends in original diary]
7-7-42: Worked on aeroplane.
7-8-42: Worked on aeroplane, went to “O.T.U.” school.
7-9-42: Flew in B-26B aeroplane as student Aerial Engineer. Flew with Lts. Lipscomb & King to Lakeland, Fla.
7-10-42: Flew in B-26B as aerial Engineer. Went to “O.T.U.” school (“Overseas Training Unit”). Worked on plane.
[page ends in original diary]
7-11-42: Was informed to transfer to 444th Bomb Squadron, 320th Bomb Group, and did so. Got tonight and tomorrow off. Went to town to Confession. Met Lt.
Cantrell and was assigned to duty of responsibility and high honor aside from other duties. [?!]
7-12-42: Went to Mass and Holy Communion with [friends] at Sacred Heart church, Tampa. Spent day with [friends]. Went out dancing.
7-13-42: First days work with new aircraft. I worked on a B-26B aeroplane and I don’t mean grease monkey. I like this outfit and have high hopes of going places.
7-14-42: Helped work on a B-26B. I pulled shake-down inspection on left engine and engine accessories. Was given four men to assist me.
[page ends in original diary]
7-15-42: I was assigned as one of the crew (Ground Crew) on B-26B #41-17716, the one I worked on yesterday.
7-16-42: Worked on B-26B, Flew with Lt. Chick as Aerial Engineer. Flew over St. Petersburg. Wrote Aunt Cecily & Susan at Skyland, N.C. While flying.
7-17-42: Worked on aeroplane. I was made a Corporal this month and notified today. First/Sgt. Davidson spoke for me. Went to movie.
7-18-42: I am assigned to B-26B aeroplane #41-17610 as assistant Crew Chief, Sgt. Newcome is Crew Chief. We are in flight “A” under S/Sgt. Rasmussen.
[page ends in original diary]
7-19-42: Went to Mass & Holy Communion at chapel on post. Looked for Lt. Mary Brown(Nurse). Did not find her. Worked on B-26B.
7-20-42: Went to Mass and then to work. Sgt. Newcome and I removed carburetors and replaced them after inspecting them. I had right engine and he had left, We got through at 12:00 midnight.
7-21-42: Went to work on B-26B. Heard that two aeroplanes from my old outfit fell in Bay today. No trace of them yet. Went to town with Fraser [William J.].
7-22-42: Felt bad this morning. Stopped by the chapel on the way
to work. Worked on B-26B. Signed up to go to Electrical Specialist school. Got 3 letters. Heard Nelson Eddy on Radio.
[page ends in original diary]
7-23-42: Took carburetors off ship again. Have next 24hrs. off. S/Sgt. Douglas Rasmussen and myself went to Lakeland, visited [relatives].
7-24-42: Visited relatives. Ras and I caught ride back to Tampa. I was appointed Crew Chief on a B-26B #41-17635.
7-25-42: My ship is still in the 314th Bomb Group. Helped Sgt. Newcome pull 50 hour inspection on #41-17610 aeroplane. Helped gun up planes. Finished work at 11:00 o’clock [pm?].
7-26-42: Helped finish 50 hour inspection. Worked till 9:00 o’clock. Went to Mass.
[page ends in original diary]
7-27-42: Found out I will not get the ship from 314th but another one. I split up my crew among others. Worked on Newcome’s ship.
7-28-42: Worked on B-26B. Went to town, saw [friends] and an 8mm film, I was in the movie in technicolor. [I sure would like to get a hold of that! -JBS]
7-29-42: Worked on a B-26B aeroplane. Went to Mass & Holy Communion.
7-30-42: Worked on B-26B. Saw Hagel Ramsey from S.C. . Saw 2nd/Lt. Mary Brown (Nurse) from Pensacola. Had nice talk with her at
hospital. Went to Mass and Holy Communion.
[page ends in original diary]
7-31-42: Payday. I did not get paid. My service record did not come in time for me to sign payroll. Did not get paid last Month. Went to Mass and Holy Communion.
8-1-42: Worked on B-26B aeroplane. Went to town to the “Chatterbox” danced. Promoted to Sergeant.
8-2-42: Spent day with [friend] and his family. Went to Mass at Sulphur Springs.
8-3-42: Worked on B-26B aeroplane flight control column. Got letter from Dudley[brother] form Hawaii. Wrote letters.
[page ends in original diary]
8-4-42: M/Sgt. Hewitt informed me that I am the new Crew Chief on Bryan’s ship. He’s awaiting
Cadets. B-26B #41-17617. It is in base hanger.
8-5-42: My ship is in Base hanger. Alan’s [brother]birthday (21).
8-6-42: My ship is in base hanger having flaps fixed. Went to see [friends].
8-7-42: Got my ship out of hanger. Engines cut out after trying magnetos. Installed new plugs.
[page ends in original diary]
8-8-42: Left McDill Field, went to Drane Field, Lakeland, Fla. Flew with Lt. Polk & Telsmanic
[Telesmanic].
8-9-42:
8-10-42: Missed Mass, had to work. No lights, no water at our area of Drane Field.
8-11-42: Worked on ammeter on #41-17617.
8-12-42: My ship is grounded, worked on line.
[end of page in original diary]
8-13-42: Ship is grounded. My ground crew: Cpl. Guiffre, A.A. (Asst. Crew Chief), PFC
Blackwell, N.O. [Norris O. Blackwell], PFC Drennan, A.[Alva Drennan], Battershell, C.C.
(Electrical Specialist)[Carl C. Battershell]. [Note: There is no A.A. Guiffre listed on any 320th
Bomb Group roster. I did find an Anthony A. Guiffre, of Wisconsin, listed on a roster for the
386th Air Service Group, which was assigned to the PTO. This A.A. Guiffre was involved in the
battle for Iwo Jima].
8-14-42: Repaired ammeter, put plugs in. Payday, for two months: $159.00.
8-15-42: Mr. Taylor (Martin Test Pilot) flew B-26B #41-17617 (the one I am crew chief on).
Went to Cedar Tavern with Rasmussen & Mayer.
8-16-42: My ship is grounded. Worked on line. Putting in long hours, no time to write letters. Went to town with Harris[James E.?].
[page ends in original diary]
8-17-42: Went to Henderson Field on truck. My ship is grounded. Missed Mass, had to work.
8-18-42: Put new plugs in 41-17617. Flew as Aerial Engineer from Drane to Henderson Field.
Asked Lt. Dorman about flying across. He said I was scheduled to.
8-19-42: At Henderson Field. My ship flew this morning. Prop governor relay points burnt. Repaired and ready to go. John Shealey and I fixed it.
8-20-42: Left Henderson Field, went to Drane Field in my ship #41-17617. Saw [friends].
[page ends in original diary]
8-21-42: Went to visit the [friends].
8-22-42: Worked on aeroplane. Went bowling with Harvey Harris & Byron Reimiller.
8-23-42: Worked on B-26B #41-17617. Went to bed early.
8-24-42: I went on cross-country with Lt. Polk [Richard B.], Telesmanic [Lt. William R.],
Phinisey [Claude W.], Perrin [Joseph F.], Nerone [Henry P.], and Sgt. Hallinan as Aerial Engineer
to Mitchell Field, NY. Saw Statue of Liberty for the first time.
[page ends in original diary]
8-25-42: Left New York about noon, got to Pittsburgh. Had to tighten oil lines. Laid over for the night. Went to the Sky View.
8-26-42: Got ready to leave for Nashville. Had magneto switch trouble, fixed that. Got ready to leave again, spark plug trouble developed. Had to lay over and wait plugs. Had a good time with Lt. Polk at Hotel Henry bar.
8-27-42: Spark plugs came. Changed plugs and left for Nashville about 4:00pm. Got in Nashville, Tenn. about 7:00pm. Hallinan and I walked the streets all night.
8-28-42: Left Nashville, stopped at Turner Field, Albany, Ga. Got caught in storm at Cross City, had to wait for it to blow over. Saw Lee Clayton - Superintendent for Creig on airport job. Left and arrived in Lakeland about 7:30pm.
[page ends in original diary]
8-29-42: Pulling 100 hr. inspection on my plane.
8-30-42: Pulling 100 hr. inspection on “617". Missed Mass - had to work. Went to bed early.
8-31-42: Worked on my plane pulling 100 hr. inspection.
9-1-42: Went to town shopping. Ran into [friends]. Had drink at Walgreens. Caught bus home.
[page ends in original diary]
9-2-42: 41-17617 left this morning for San Antonio, Texas. Caught up on all my letter writing. [Went]to “Hungarian Inn” Had good steak supper.
9-3-42: 41-17617 is on cross-country hop. Down at Barksdale Field, La. Went to Plant City to
see [friends].
9-4-42: My ship is still on cross-country - Mobile, Ala. now.
9-5-42: [no entry]
[page ends in original diary]
9-6-42: Ate supper [at friend's house].
9-7-42: [Went out with friend].
9-8-42: [Went to] Palace Theatre, Lakeland, Fla.
9-9-42: [no entry]
9-10-42: [no entry]
[page ends in original diary]
9-11-42: [no entry]
9-12-42: Had ... a chicken
supper in Plant City.
9-13-42: Flew to Mobile, Ala. In B-26 with Lt. Telesmanic & Harris. Sent Sgt. Davidson wire
that I was going home for weekend. Got home 6:30pm.
9-14-42: Went to Mass & Holy Communion in Pensacola, Fla. Spent day with folks.
[page ends in original diary]
9-15-42: Told folks goodbye. Caught bus at 1:00am for Drane Field, Lakeland, Fla. Arrived in
Tampa 6:00pm. Saw [friends]. Got to Lakeland 9:00pm.
9-16-42: Expect to leave Drane Field in the morning.
9-17-42: We did not leave today. Got news today that my good friend Gordon Schlottman was killed with the crew in a B-26 at Birmingham, Ala. (Caught in a storm, visibility poor, ran into a mountain on way to Fort
Wayne, Ind.).
[page ends in original diary]
9-18-42: Went to Drane Field, left on train at 7:00am for parts unknown.
9-19-42: Arrived at Baer Field, Fort Wayne, Ind.
9-20-42: Went to Mass at Baer Field. Went to meeting at Group Headquarters, held by Lt. Colonel Hilger. Went to Fort Wayne.
9-21-42: Spent day looking over post (Baer Field), writing letters. Went to town and had pictures made.
[page ends in original diary]
9-22-42: [no entry]
9-23-42: [no entry]
9-24-42: Went to Confession, Mass and Holy Communion.
9-25-42: [no entry]
[page ends in original diary]
9-26-42: Went to town with Thomas. (John R.)
9-27-42: Went to Mass. Helped Fraser [William J.] take carburetors off his ship.
9-28-42: Went to line, no ship for me yet. Went to town with Thomas.
9-29-42: Got letter and answered it.
[page ends in original diary]
9-30-42: Got letter from Cadet James V. Newton, California and Rachel Sorrow [my future mother]. Had date, doubled with T/Sgt. Thomas.
10-1-42: Read “Our Sunday Visitor”. Got letter from home. I was promoted from S.Sgt. to T/Sgt. today.
10-2-42: Got [letter]. Read “The Following of Christ”.
10-3-42: Went to town, left proofs for pictures to be made from. Went to Confession at chapel on post. Read “Our Sunday Visitor”. Went to bed.
[page ends in original diary]
10-4-42: Went to Mass & Holy Communion. Colonel A.J. Hilger spoke to the 320th Bomb
Group about keeping our mouths shut and B-26 troubles.
10-5-42: Went to Mass & Holy Communion with Fillion [Frank] from Jacksonville, Fla. Got my
wings. (Wings for combat crew).
10-6-42: We have no ships and no work to do.
10-7-42: Don’t like this laying around and just being able to go to town but once a week.
[page ends in original diary]
10-8-42: Still no work.
10-9-42: Loaf.
10-10-42: Tired of hanging around with nothing to do.
10-11-42: Went to Mass.
[page ends in original diary]
10-12-42: [No entry]
10-13-42: Went to town my night off. I don’t like this town or the girls in it (Ft. Wayne).
10-14-42: Worked on a B-26B. Informed that the 320th Bomb Group is restricted to base.
Went to movie.
10-15-42: Worked with Ras [Douglas Rasmussen] on a B-26B. We are still restricted to the
base.
[page ends in original diary]
10-16-42: Worked with D.M. Rasmussen on B-26B. Worked with Thomas [John R.] on B-26B.
10-17-42: Worked with Thomas on B-26B. Went to movie. Got letters from Dot Bailey,
Rachel Sorrow, Mother, Dad & Ginger.
10-18-42: Went to Mass with Fillion. Worked with J.R. Thomas (T/Sgt.) on B-26B adjusting
tension on control cables. Informed that I have another ship (#117845 - B-26B).
10-19-42: Worked on Thomas’ ship for 319th B.G. Took test hop in it with Captain Dorman. It
tested OK. Turned it over to 319th & ferry command.
[page ends in original diary]
10-20-42: Worked on my plane. Went to Blufftown with J.R. Thomas.
10-21-42: Worked on my aeroplane #41-17845 B-26B. It is still in hands of sub. depot awaiting
inspection. Dance at “rec”-hall for 320th Bomb Group.
10-22-42: Got issue of clothing. Went to movie: “Wake Island”.
10-23-42 to 11-4-42: [No entry] [page ends after 10-23-42, 10-27-42, 10-31-42 and 10-4-42 in
original diary]
11-5-42: Worked on plane.
11-6-42: Worked on plane. It has been inspected and released for flight by Concentration
Command.
11-7-42: Worked on plane.
11-8-42: Preflighted our aeroplane. Then Lt. Harris[James E.], Lt. Goodson[Walter C.] and
myself took it up for a test hop. We did some instrumental flying. He let me fly it some. First
time to fly a bomber.
[page ends in original diary]
11-9-42: Worked on a B-26B aeroplane #41-17845. Crew on it are:Lt. Harris, Lt.
Perring[Joseph F. Perrin?], myself, Strong[Lonnie S.], Woodbury[G. Baron], Vaughn[E.B.], and
Allstat[?]. Went to town.
11-10-42: Taxied my aeroplane to hanger to have some work done on it. Took it back to
parking area.
11-11-42 to 11-19-42: [No entry]
11-20-42: Left Baer Field (Ft. Wayne, Indiana] on B-26B #117845 and arrived at Morrison
Field (West Palm Beach, Florida).
[page ends in original diary]
11-21-42 to 11-30-42: [No entry] [page ends on after 11-24-42 and 11-30-42 in original diary]
12-1-42: Prepared airplane to leave the states.
