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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: PT Crew Records
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Hello All

In talking to PT vets for my forthcoming book about African American service in WW II (see my previous posting on African American PT service), I've conversed with Mr. James Darby, who served on PT 331 in RON 21. He states that his boat had a Black crewman for several months in late 1944-early 1945 while operating out of New Guinea. His name was George Washington and he was a loader on the boat's stern 40mm.

Though I do not doubt Mr Darby's recollections (Mike, this is a guy you should interview...he lives in San Diego), I would like to confirm his recollections via official records. Can anyone give advice on PT crew record holdings at the National Archives. Are such records organized by individual boat or by squadron? Any idea which records group they belong to? I've heard that PT records at the archives are rather scattered. It always helps with the archives to know what exactly you want before requesting it. Any advice would be helpful.

Any help anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated. If, by some very small chance, anyone knows of George Washington personally from RON 21, please let me know. Thanks!

Posted By: Glenn Knoblock | Posted on: Dec 14, 2006 - 7:33am
Total Posts: 12 | Joined: Oct 14, 2006 - 8:40pm

GLENN;
TRY THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES. THEY HAVE LOG BOOKS FOR MOST OF THE U.S.S. PT-XXX'S. YOU WILL HAVE TO REQUEST COPIES OF THE ENTRIES BETWEEN CERTAIN DATED TO SEE WHEN A CREWMEMBER WAS LOGGED ON THE BOAT AND LOGGED OFF FOR AN ASSIGNED POSITION. ITS HELPED ME GREATLY IN MY RESEARCH AND THE PRICES ARE VERY REASONABLE.

Steve Tuhy

Posted By: Steve Tuhy | Posted on: Dec 14, 2006 - 9:05am
Total Posts: 114 | Joined: Oct 17, 2006 - 5:41am

I believe all the records for MTB squadrons (Pacific) are in records group 313.5.5 at the NARA in College Park, MD. See http//www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/313.html/#313.5.5
If this address doesn't work, elimnate the last bit back to groups and you should be able to find your way to it.
I believe you will have to visit the archives or hire a researcher to obtain any specifics.

Posted By: Kent Young | Posted on: Dec 15, 2006 - 5:27am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

My father Alfred Richardson was EO of that boat at that time I will check to see any photos which might include Mr Washington.

Posted By: PT331 | Posted on: Dec 22, 2006 - 5:04pm
Total Posts: 4 | Joined: Dec 22, 2006 - 4:56pm

Hello Glen,

My name is Wayne Traxel and I have a a crew photo with African American Sailor on PT-331. Not the one pouring coffee.

My email address is waylin@voyager.net

Wayne Traxel

Posted By: Wayne Traxel | Posted on: Dec 24, 2006 - 11:43pm
Total Posts: 248 | Joined: Oct 11, 2006 - 5:40am

Thanks for the replies on how to obtain PT crew records, as well as to those who replied specifically about PT-331. I look forward to seeing what you come up with PT 33a and Wayne.

If anyone would like to converse with Mr. Darby personally about the 331's exploits, let me know your email and I'll send you Mr. Darby's personal contact information. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear from any 331 crew members or their family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Posted By: Glenn Knoblock | Posted on: Dec 25, 2006 - 7:07pm
Total Posts: 12 | Joined: Oct 14, 2006 - 8:40pm

I have found a picture and i believe Mr washington may be the second standing from the left. email is rrichardson82@comcast.net, contact and i will forward.

Posted By: PT331 | Posted on: Dec 28, 2006 - 4:43am
Total Posts: 4 | Joined: Dec 22, 2006 - 4:56pm