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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: John Iles RON 2, 3, 5, 4
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=1568



Gentleman;
I have been writing John Iles quite frequently, he was Melville class 8, (I think, he remembers class 7(JFK's class), but he is not on the roster), arrived at Tulagi, he was first Exec on PT 59 under Hogan Levy, then was made skipper of PT 48 around May 1943, then was given PT 125 on "loan" from RON 6, then became Dick Kersey's exec on PT 105, did the daylight raid, then was made skipper PT 105 after Kersey was put on "staff". Remained out there until summer of 1944, then was sent back to Melville as Staff/Instructor, then he was skipper of PT 141 or 139(what ever boat was used as the 41 boat) during filming of They Were Expendable.
I have sent him many photos of all of his boats, because he has none, except the one photo of 105 in Kerseys book. I am looking specifically for a photo of his class(Charlie since you have the lists you can help me here, at least to narrow it down), and any photos of him on his boats so I can send them to him via e-mail.
any help would be great!
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Dec 13, 2009 - 8:04pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



When I get home, I'll look through my files.



Charlie

Posted By: 29navy | Posted on: Dec 14, 2009 - 5:21am
Total Posts: 598 | Joined: Dec 28, 2006 - 3:02pm



Charlie;
Did you come up with info on John ILes class at Melville?
Thanks,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 15, 2010 - 8:52am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



I have the roster of Officer Class 7 and 8 and he is not listed with them. Class 7 Graduated at the beginning of December (Dec 3) and 8 graduated at the begining of January.

However, his name is listed in the Skeeter (the base newsletter) in the January 7, 1943 edition. It is a list of officers in the 9th Class who had lettered or made all-american or some sports award while in college. It lists:

Iles, J. R. - Loyola, Southwestern of Memphos - Football, Track.

So this would have put him in the same Class as Lenny Thom & Torbert MacDonald. Class 9 started December 7, 1942 and graduated Feb 7, 1943.

Charlie

Charlie

Posted By: 29navy | Posted on: Feb 17, 2010 - 3:09pm
Total Posts: 598 | Joined: Dec 28, 2006 - 3:02pm



THANKS CHARLIE! I will get this info off to him today.
take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 19, 2010 - 6:38am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Ted and Charlie,

I have a Class 9 photo. Where would you like me to send it, after
I get it scanned.

Steve Nugent

Posted By: Nuge210 | Posted on: Feb 19, 2010 - 8:33am
Total Posts: 323 | Joined: Jun 4, 2008 - 7:50am



I'm here at chsu@aol.com.

Thanks.

Charlie

Posted By: 29navy | Posted on: Feb 19, 2010 - 8:36am
Total Posts: 598 | Joined: Dec 28, 2006 - 3:02pm



Steve;
This would be greatly appreciated, I can send the photo to him tonight. Just click on the envelope above.
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 19, 2010 - 9:50am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Guys;
If you want to see a nice interview with John Iles, go to this website link:
http://beta.lpb.org/index.php?/swi/swi_episode/lswi3309_november_6_2009
Just look at the quick color footage!
Enjoy,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 20, 2010 - 8:46am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Hi Ted,
Thanks for the link on Mr. Iles interview. That was terrific! The color footage was interesting. I have a 1/48 build of the 105 boat under way and I would really like to be able to communicate with him about the boat. Is there any way you can put me in touch with him?
Thank you
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Feb 20, 2010 - 2:12pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



David;
e-mail me off site.
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 20, 2010 - 2:23pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Thanks for the interview segment link, Ted.

Which Ron would those gray boats be in, in the color footage... they're both faded gray in color, and both boats look like they have 20mms in their starboard turrets...

Don't know about the camouflage-hulled boat (?).

I couldn't get the segment to go full-screen to study it more closely -- it kept blacking out when I clicked on "full screen."

BTW Ted, which PT Boats, Inc. video is it that you and Alex mentioned has the color footage on it...is it the "3 on 1" video?


Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Feb 20, 2010 - 6:15pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am



Hi Ted,
I just sent you a quick acknowledgement. I look forward to hearing from you.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Feb 21, 2010 - 6:40am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Drew;
I have no idea but I have to lean towards those gray boats being RON 9, I believe I have seen that guy/officer walking on the port side next to the cockpit before in RON 9 photos.
the video is titled : PT BOATS AND BASES, WWII TAPE NO. ONE- FILM TRANSFER 110 MIN 9/26/89.
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 21, 2010 - 11:16am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am