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Topic: PT 372 ‘the Miss Fortune' |
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Steve Angelich
New Member
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Posted on: Feb 13, 2009 - 4:17pm
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My uncle, Milton C. Vucinich was on the PT 372 ‘the Miss Fortune.’ His rank was Lieutenant (JG). I do not know his role on the boat maybe one step below captain? The captain was Donald A. Fortune, rom Fresno California. Both of them got the bronze star I would like find out as much a possible about the boats and its role in wwII. Where can I start my research?
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 13, 2009 - 5:24pm
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Steve
Your uncle served with Ron 27 and was the Executive Officer on PT 372 with Skipper Don Fortune. They operated out of Treasury Island and patrolled Bougainville. Later they would move out to Palau where your uncle had an interesting experience.
They were on a daylight patrol at Palau and were operating with three Marine Corsair Pilots. On the way out, the Japanese caught them between the Beach and a lerge reef. They were hit several times in several places, but the Marine gave them great strafing support to help them out. Your uncle was in contact by UHF Radio with the Marine leader and thanked them for the help. The Marine leader turned out to be your uncle's teammate on the Stanford 1941 Rose Bowl team. Afer Palau your uncle would become Skipper of PT 357 and took it into the Philippines and operated around Corregidor, Bataan and Manila. His boat was instrumental in picking up paratroopers who missed The Rock on D-Day. After being relieved of command, your uncle was sent back to Rhode Island.
Married to Vera and had one son Jeff and a daughter Kristine. Went into the Insurance Brokerage Business after the War. Loved Golf and travel. He did get the Bronze Star for Valor with four Battle Stars. Hope this helps your search. Will get you mote on the boat's when I have time.
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Gary Paulsen
MASTER
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 6:46am
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I believe my Dad Edwin Paulsen was a motor mac on the 372. I remember he told me about getting on the boat on the east coast and was with her through the Panama Canal and then the south pacific. But he never really said much about what happened after that. Frank do you happen to know the date of the occurance you mentioned? Thanks, Gary
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 9:22am
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Gary
That would have been sometime between October through December of 1944, which is how long the Ron was in that area of operations.
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Gary Paulsen
MASTER
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 9:35am
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Frank
Thank you for your response. I've been reading the message board for a long time and this was the first time I've ever seen anyone mention Ron 27 or the 372. Will look forward to see what you come up with for us in the future. Thanks again, Gary
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Gary Paulsen
MASTER
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 9:47am
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Steve, Just remembered a history report on Ron 27 on the petertare.org webste. Was written by Frederick M Binder and tells some ofo the history of the squadron.
Gary
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Steve Angelich
New Member
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 11:38am
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The strafing support indecent you referenced is the only story Milton ever mentioned. It was personal story, known by very few. How did you come this information. Were you in his squadron?
Steve Angelich
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 2:28pm
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No, Iam only 52 years of age. The story was written by him, along with his photo in the Knights of the Sea Book, put out in 1982. It is what I refer to as my Bible when it comes to trying to find information on someone. I was lucky in that he did a Bio for the Book during that time. Hope the information was helpful, I will check my files for more..............
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 3:15pm
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Gary & Steve
In retaking of Corregidor elements of the US Sixth Army Paratroopers were being dropped February 16, 1945. Some had overshot the Rock and were in danger of drowning. Ron 27 boats stood by and rescued up to 17 men. I believe several boats were there including PT 375 and PR 376.
I spoke with the XO of PT 376 back in 2005, Ray Shafer. He and another man paddled ashore in a rubber raft to pick up some of the men. He did not mention any other boats being involved with the rescue. They were under Japanese sniper fire. I do not have information about PT 372 being in the area, although it very well could have been. It is also possible that Milt was on one of the other boats during this mission. I will do some more digging.
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 14, 2009 - 3:29pm
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Gary
Your Dad was in fact a Motro Mac 2/c, but served on PT 374. He is listed as a crewmember on the Ron 27 Roster.
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