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Topic: PT History Nov42-Jun43 Solomons |
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Jerry N Gilmartin
Full Member
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Posted on: Dec 8, 2013 - 2:17pm
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Hi Nat,
This is really fascinating. I would want to modify the Title to something like "Lessons from PT Boats vs Jap Aircraft in the Solomons 11-42 to 6-43" Thanks for posting it! I found the Floatplane summary especially interesting towards the end where it records the date and the PT Boats involved and what occurred. Looking at the entry for 20 July 1943 where PT 109, PT105 and PT163 were attacked just off Gizo Island by a Float Plane and dropped several bombs with 2 minor injuries resulting on the PT boats. I think this must have been the event that was later recalled by JFK's crewman Maurice Kowal at that symposium in Boston (back in 1998?) where he stated that he (I think it was Mr Kowal) was injured by shrapnel from this near miss explosion and recalls that JFK had ducked and saw another piece of shrapnel fly right in front of his face! Since Kowal was wounded on this mission, he was in the Base Sick Bay healing when the 109 went out a few days later and was lost. This also does a great job explaining why it was a good reason (if not Squadron SOP) to operate the PT boat using only one engine to minimize the wake visible from these Float Planes. It all makes sense now!
Thanks again. Jerry
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Will Day
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 8, 2013 - 2:27pm
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Great stuff. Thanks, Nat!
Will |
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Drew Cook
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 8, 2013 - 4:35pm
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Fascinating, Nate -- thanks for posting the report.
Mr. Kowal's statement about JFK ducking and seeing shrapnel pass in front of his face coincides with Robert J. Donovan's written account of this incident in "PT 109," in which the 109 received "an ugly dent" which had "been bashed in the metal splinter shield that ran, about head high (actually, shoulder high), along the port side of the cockpit beside the wheel" from the bombing.
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Dec 9, 2013 - 2:09am
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Thank you for sharing your research efforts Nat, there is a lot of great PT history there.
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MN Gal
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Dec 9, 2013 - 6:41am
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Hi Nat,
Thank you so much for posting this, its incredible.
I hope you can leave it up until I have a chance to go to the library to have it printed. I know they have the longer paper. When I tried to print it on regular paper it was to small to read easily.
I am so excited to read this, when I get finished I wonder if I can ask you some questions. I was wondering about the date of the 156 on the second page, do you know what year they are talking about? I haven't read it all yet maybe it will be evident if I actually read the whole thing. This is so nice of you to post.
Thanks Again,
Julie
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 9, 2013 - 7:52am
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Nate;
This is a fantastic document, thanks for posting it.
Julie;
The Rendova/ Lambu Lambu/ Lever Harbor/ Treasury operations section is from July 1, 1943-Feb 18,1944.
Take care,
TED
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Dec 9, 2013 - 8:52am
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Julie, you should be able to save to your computer by right-clicking the link and choosing "save link as" or similar.
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Robert Gosnell
New Member
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Posted on: Dec 9, 2013 - 10:08am
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Thanks a million for posting this, Nate;
most illuminating and valuable historical
info. I have saved it for reference!
My father was the original Gunner's
Mate on the 107 boat; manned the
20mm at the stern.
Bob Gosnell
2nd generation PT107, RON5
Fly Navy |
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MN Gal
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Dec 16, 2013 - 12:03pm
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Hello All,
Question; on page 14, Second paragraph, Anti-Aircraft Fire:
"Morale was lifted when the 156 shot a harassing plane down."
Would anyone know more about that?
Like a date? or more information about the action?
thanks,
Julie
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