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 Author  Topic: RON 19, PT 238,239
Joseph Kostelnik

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Aug 24, 2012 - 8:57pm
Hey CJ Willis,

My father, Mike Kostelnik was a Motor Machinist Mate in RON 19. I was hoping that you might be able to provide some background info on the Squadron. Is it possible that you knew my father?

Thanks again for your previous posts. Like many WW2 veterans,Dad never talked about his service.

Thanks,

Joseph Kostelnik
CWO2,USN, Retired.


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CJ Willis

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of CJ Willis  Posted on: Aug 25, 2012 - 8:01am
Hi Joe: Yes I was in Ron 19 aboard PT 242 until May 15, 1944 when Ron 19 was decommissioned and our boat went into Ron 23. PT's 235, 236, 237, 238, and 240 went to Ron 20 and 241, 242, 243, and 244 went into Ron 23. PT 239 was destroyed in a fuel dock fire at Lambu Cove, Vella La Vella on Dec. 14, 1943. I did not know your father. PT crews were a pretty close knit group and did not associate with other boat crews very much even though we patroled together in sections all time. I have a small book "Snuffy" which is a story of Ron 19 (Where it went, What it saw and What it did) It is named after our Squadron Commander,LT. Commander Russell "Snuffy" Smith. Your fathers name is listed. The book has pictures of all the boat crews. You may have one of these "Snuffy" books. When Squadron 19 split up we all gave Mr. Ankers our Radar officer 5 bucks for the book. After the war he and others edited and published then sent the book to most Ron 19 members.

Our PT 242 crew was relieved of duty from the boat in late Nov. 1944 and was sent back to the U.S. for 30 days leave and R and R. in Boston Fargo Bldg. for a couple of months. I was then sent to the
Samar P.I. Base 17 and was there when the Japs surrendered.

C. J. Willis

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Joseph Kostelnik

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Aug 25, 2012 - 9:15am
CJ,

Thanks for your response. Dad's original boat was PT 239, Drydock Annie. I believe that he was then assigned to PT 238. My older brother has the Snuffy Book and boat patch. I have several quality photos that I would like to post, or if you send me your email address, I can send them to you for posting,
My email address is jkostelnik@knology.net.

Thank you again for sharing your memories and thank you for your service.

joseph

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CJ Willis

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of CJ Willis  Posted on: Aug 25, 2012 - 1:50pm
Joe I am not savvy enough on the computer to post pictures on the message board. I would like to see your pictures though.

C. J. Willis

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Joseph Kostelnik

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Aug 25, 2012 - 3:44pm
CJ,

I will try to figure it out. Stay tuned.

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Nuge210

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Nuge210   Send Email To Nuge210 Posted on: Sep 1, 2012 - 3:48pm
Joe,

My Dad ended up in Ron 23 after about a year and a half in Ron 15.

I wou;d be happy to post your photos if you're having trouble.

You can email me by clicking on my mail icon.



Steve

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