| Author |
Topic: Information needed about MTB RON 21 and Alamo Scouts |
|
Alamo Scout
New Member
|
  
Posted on: Jul 19, 2008 - 3:16am
|
Gus,
Thanks for the reply. I am writing an oral history of the Alamo Scouts (almost finished), and I am including in the book all the narrative I can from PT boat crews. If you're interested, I would very much like to include your account and those from other crew members who had contact with the Scouts. Also, I'll need a wartime head and shoulders photo of you.
Look forward to hearing from you Gus. Please drop me an email at Zee61@aol.com.
Lance |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Ray Wilbur
New Member
|
Posted on: Jul 19, 2008 - 8:03am
|
That sounds like part of the mission the 495 was sent out to do on tthe 19/20th.
Ray
|
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Alamo Scout
New Member
|
Posted on: Jul 19, 2008 - 10:19am
|
Ray,
On one of the reports you sent to me there is a summary of the drop off:
13/14 November 1944
"1555, PT's 492 (OTC) and 497 underway on mission to land scouts at Poro Village, Camotes Group. Scouts went ashore at 2250. At 0210, boats unloaded supplies for scouts, returned to base at 1145."
Per HQ, 6th Army, report of Alamo Scouts Missions on Leyte:
"PORO Island, Camotes - 14 November to 21 December 1944. Established radio station, organized guerilla information sources, reported all enemy convoy activity between CEBU and ORMOC, reported enemy activity on PACIJAN, PONSON, PORO islands, guerilla situation and civilian situation. Lt. George S. Thompson and Lt. Wilbur F. Littlefield."
BTW- what is meant by OTC?
Thanks PT guys; we love this stuff. Keep it coming!
Lance |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Ray Wilbur
New Member
|
Posted on: Jul 19, 2008 - 6:21pm
|
Hi Lance, I know what you're saying but if you read what you sent me the Lutz team were bringing 2 stretchers and medical supplies for some crashed pilots. Coincidence?
Ray
|
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Alamo Scout
New Member
|
Posted on: Jul 20, 2008 - 4:42am
|
Ray,
Coincidence--I would say so. As for the dates, according to Ross's diary he was in camp cleaning gear on November 13-18. He also states that "Lutz is going back to the states." Lutz never performed another mission. He had jungle rot so bad that he had to return to the states and get further treatment. He never returned to the SWPA.
Concerning the general situation, there was a lot of air/naval activity in that area Ormoc Bay and Camotes Islands area during the Leyte Operation and U.S. planes were frequently shot down during that time resulting in stranded and wounded fliers. The guerrillas often recovered and cared for them until they could be returned by PT or turned over to U.S. units. Outside the Ormoc city area, SUMNER team alone recovered five such downed pilots and returned them to friendly lines.
With that said, I still don't trust official reports either!
Lance |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
ducati650
TOP BOSS
|
 Posted on: Jul 20, 2008 - 5:41am
|
OTC, I think, means Officer in Tactical Command. Can anybody confirm or correct this?
|
Total Posts: 450 | Joined:
Feb 19, 2007 - 10:01am | IP
Logged
|
|
Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
|
Posted on: Jul 25, 2008 - 3:56am
|
PT 132 with the NELLIST TEAM performed missions with the Scouts on Mindeano, PI. On one return trip, the boat was strafed by Jap Planes. Several scouts were injured, and 2 Sailors were killed. Not sure if this was the same mission, but on October 26/27 a Jap Plane dropped a bomb near PT 132. In this engagement, Ensign Paul Jones, his second officer, and eight men were wounded. My records do not indicate if the other men injured were Scouts. Two Sailors were killed in this attack.
|
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined:
Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am | IP
Logged
|
|
Alamo Scout
New Member
|
Posted on: Jul 25, 2008 - 4:53am
|
Frank -
Yes, PT 132 and PT 326 were on that mission to Mindanao to pick up NELLIST TEAM. On the way back to base an enemy plane bombed and strafed the 132. Three navy men were killed (Betz, Speer, Vining). Alamo Scouts Dove, Smith, Asis, and Siason were wounded. I interviewed Paul Jones not long ago. Still has a great memory for a man in his 90s.
Lance |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
|
Posted on: Jul 25, 2008 - 5:52am
|
Lance
Thanks for your information on this mission, espcially the names of those Killed and Injured ( I did not have this info) When you are done with your work, will there be a book available............
|
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined:
Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am | IP
Logged
|
|
Alamo Scout
New Member
|
Posted on: Jul 28, 2008 - 8:15am
|
Frank:
Glad to help. I am compiling an oral history of the Alamo Scouts, but it is not exclusively by Alamo Scouts. I'm also including various accounts from PT crews, Filipino guerrillas, and others who conducted ops with the Scouts or who provided support. Have tapped into a wonderful community of men in the PT family. Everyone has been most gracious in submitting recollections, reports, etc., and by consenting to be interviewed over the phone. Will spend a week in the National Archives beginning tomorrow and hope to uncover many more PTs who helped the Scouts but who are to this point anonymous and/or unheralded.
Lance |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
|
