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Topic: Interview with last survivor of PT-109 |
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smallwi
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Jul 6, 2022 - 8:17pm
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All:
I found a copy of the PT 109 log book. The log indicates three maintenance visits to Sesapi in May. One was on May 6, 1943 for hull and engine work. This visit lasted less than two hours, 0800 to 1000. Hardly enough time to do any major painting. The second visit, for engine maintenance, was on May 20, arriving at 0810 and departing 1530. The third visit was on May 29, similar to the May 20 visit, arriving at 08180 and departing 1530. Although no mention of painting the boat, these two visits are the only maintenance periods referenced that could have been long enough for the crew to turn to with paint brushes. As Kowal joined the crew on May 1 it is safe to say his comments about the boat being painted grey could have merit. It would have been for the first three/four weeks of his service on the boat. The whole discussion of the boat being a shambles when Kennedy took command seems to be complete Hollywood hogwash. Lt. Bryant Larson stated this emphatically and the log validates that the boat was operational with Ens, Thom in command for a number of patrols before Kennedy arrived on April 25.
Another curiosity are three more crew members never mentioned in popular publications about the 109. A. Galewski F1/C joined the crew May 15, 1943, detached on June 17 when J. B. Burkheit MM 2/C joined the crew. C. B. Foster RM 2/C joined the crew April 1, detached from the crew on May 30.
Bill
Bill Smallshaw |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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 Posted on: Jul 7, 2022 - 8:50am
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Frank, do you know what shade of green she was painted? 
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 7, 2022 - 10:09am
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Tough question Jeff as I do not think the actual color was ever really known. I have seen the boat models painted in many different shades of green, from Forest Green to Light Green. So i guess to answer your question I was never really 100% sure which shade of green she was
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 7, 2022 - 2:03pm
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No I am fairly certain the 109 was painted in Franks favorite Zebra Adapter Pattern, with the easily recognized stripes seen on the SO3 Radar mast. Yes I am sure of it!
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Jul 7, 2022 - 6:29pm
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Got it, various shades of green in the Zebra Adapter Pattern. Thanks guys! 
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Dick
Moderator
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Posted on: Jul 8, 2022 - 1:56pm
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Frank . . .
Here are some stats on Youtube views for the interview:
Views: 84,000
Likes: 178
Positive Comments: 1,212
Negative Comments: 26
Most people don't "Like" or "Not Like" same with Subscribe. They just simply view videos, same as with me. The positive comments are very appreciative, where the negative comments are basically Kennedy naysayers.
Nice job Frank, well done interview . . . . .
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Dick
Moderator
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Posted on: Jul 8, 2022 - 1:57pm
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Frank . . .
Here are some stats on Youtube views for the interview:
Views: 84,000
Likes: 178
Positive Comments: 1,212
Negative Comments: 26
Most people don't "Like" or "Not Like" same with Subscribe. They just simply view videos, same as with me. The positive comments are very appreciative, where the negative comments are basically Kennedy naysayers.
Nice job Frank, well done interview . . . . .
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jul 9, 2022 - 5:02am
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Thanks Dick, I have been checking out the many viewers who have watched the interview and I am so happy that it tuned out as well as it did with all of your hard work in inserting so many photos. Jerry you just know how much I love that Zebra pattern don't you lol...........
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