PT Boat Guestbook

[Part 4 of 4]
Thank you for visiting my PT Boat Web Pages.
If you haven't done so, will you please add your comments
by Clicking Here.

Thank You. ........s/ Ken Campbell

Click below to return to:
'Story of PT518' .. or.. 'Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 35'
. . or . . ''PT Guest Book, Part 3

Note: This Section was last updated on January 25, 2008.

The first entry - in Section 1 - was added January 7, 2003.

Hi Ken,

Just wanted to say thanks for the web site. And I wanted to add some info about my dad’s PT boat.

My dad died in 1989, but I remember some stories he told when I was a kid. I have always been a WWII amateur historian, but haven’t done all that much research to find out specific information about my dad. I just remember some of his stories. (not really sure how accurate my memory is, so don’t be surprised if I get some details wrong.)

Anyway, my dad was Richard (Dick) Bacon. He was going to Syracuse University and playing football and track when the war broke out. He enlisted with a buddy, (can’t remember his name), but they served together on PT 221. Dad told stories of his experience taking his boat through the Panama canal and going up the West coast, stopping in San Francisco and Seattle on his way to the Aleutians

I remember his story of building a jetty and while operating a dump truck dumping rocks off the end of the jetty, it collapsed and the truck went into the drink as he put it. He just barely lived through the experience. Not sure exactly where this took place, just a kid’s memories of a father’s stories.

When I grew up in Seattle, my dad used to point out a bar in downtown Seattle and told us that he had been thrown through the plate glass windows next to the entrance. On his way to the Aleutians he stopped at the bar and it was a navy bar, but on the way back he stopped in again and it was an army bar, when he walked in they grabbed him and threw him through the front windows. His boat was on the way to the Philippines at that time and luckily he wasn’t hurt too bad from the window episode.

In the Philippines, he told of living up remote rivers during the day and coming out at night to hunt Jap barges. He also told a story of a American destroyer that was badly damaged and abandoned but hadn’t sunk, so they were told to sink it. He had to go onboard to be sure nobody was left.

Another story he told was of a P-38 that chased a zero into a cloud and everyone was shooting at the Zero and didn’t expect the P-38 to come out of the cloud first, and they shot the P-38 down by accident. My dad helped drive the boat and manned the twin 50’s in the cockpit. He always seemed to feel badly about this incident.

My dad didn’t talk about combat too much, and I found out late in his life that his buddy that had enlisted with him from Syracuse, was killed right next to him. He was hit by a 5 in shell and killed instantly. From the same incident my dad suffered shrapnel wounds down one whole side of his body and died with pieces still in him. My dad was certainly traumatized by this and didn’t ever give much detail to this story.

My dad suffered bouts of Malaria all his life, and had reoccurring funguses that cropped up all his life too from being in the jungles of the Philippines. I remember when we were growing up that you couldn’t try to shake my dad awake or you might get punched. You stood across the room and yelled to wake him.

I have researched enough to know that war is not glamorous, and affected veterans all their lives. I also realize that if not for the sacrifices of these veterans, our world and specifically the US, would not be the pleasant place we are blessed with today. I keep the legacy alive for my two sons and they have a healthy interest and appreciation of the sacrifices that allow us such a great existence today.

I hope my information, sketchy and incomplete as it is, helps to also keep the legacy alive for other PT boat kids and grandkids. Wish I remembered more, and maybe some others will add to my own story. I have no memorabilia that was left to me. My dad didn’t save much. I only have my own memories of his stories.

Thanks for your web site and the effort to pass on the legacy of the PT boats.

Sincerely,

Paul Bacon
Santa Cruz CA
May 3, 2008

ZbaconZ@hpZ.com,

[Note: Omit the three Zs when using this E-mail address]

Mr. Campbell,

My name is Jack Allen and I’m from West Springfield, MA. My father, John “Jack” R. Allen passed away in 1996. He was assigned to PT 150 in 1942 after graduation from High School. His crew served in the south pacific and I would like to know more about PT 150, its crew, and their missions.

If there are any crew members that knew my dad, I would appreciate it if they could contact me via email.

Thank you,

Jack Allen
West Springfield, MA 01089
March 2, 2008

ZJackallen99Z@comcastZ.net

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Mr. Campbell –

I am trying to dig up whatever information I can on MTB Squadron 13, specifically their service in the Pacific Theater. They were part of Task Unit 70.1.4, which was awarded the Naval Unit Commendation for their actions during the invasion of Mindoro Island in the Philippines.

My grandfather, Walter Nelson, joined that Squadron in mid-1944, and participated in the invasions of Mindoro and Borneo. He served as an Electrician’s Mate 2d Class, and rode on the U.S.S. Willoughby between Mindoro and Borneo. Unfortunately, my grandfather never talked about the war and he passed away a long time ago. I’ve obtained his service records from the National Personnel Records Center but it doesn’t tell too much.

If you can possibly point me in the right direction for Squadron histories, photos, logs, etc., I would be most grateful.

Many thanks,

Douglas Fuller
January 29. 2008

ZdfullerZ@dc.Zbhb.com

[Note: Omit the three Zs when using this E-mail address]

My dad was a torpedomans mate on the Willoughby. I have recently become interested in the history of the Willoughby after reading "Last Stand of the Tincan Sailors".

I am especially interested in getting a crewlist or hearing from anyone who has tidbits of information about the ship and her activities. My dad's name was Autrey McLendon from Georgia.

Thanks

Larry McLendon
Atlanta GA
January 25, 2008

ZlarrymclendonZ@yahooZ.com

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I came upon your site while researching information about my dad's, (Richard (Dick) Pernick) service. He was on the USS WYOMING AG17 and the USS ACONTIUS AGP12 and the USS ORESTES AGP10 and served in the USN from 3-15-43 to 3-7-46 Unfortunately, I don't know the dates of his service on each ship, but I do know he served in the Phillipinnes and Japan. He passed away on Nov 10 1992 and was from Buffalo, NY.

I'm his daughter and would love any information/photos that other researchers may have of these ships.

Thanks for a great site.

Maureen Pernick Huber
Buffalo, NY
December 21, 2007

Zpernick36Z@yahooZ.com

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I saw your website...my dad was on this boat [Ed: USS Willoughby AGP-9] in 1944. He passed away Oct of 1980. I have been trying to find a roster.

Your website is great. Lots of people from all over. Thanks

Janice Butler
December 15, 2007

ZjmdbutlerZ@sbcglobalZ.net

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I was looking up information on PT Boats for my own knowledge brought on by my girlfriend's aunt talking about her husband who was on a PT Boat during WWII.

I really enjoyed your site and wanted to thank you for the information. It was very informative and helpful.

Richard V. McAteer Jr.
Willingboro, NJ.
October 24, 2007

ZrmcdaddyZ@comZcast.net.

[Note: Omit the three Zs when using this E-mail address]

Ken,

Thank you for your PT boat pages, most interesting. My name is Glenys CARR (nee FROST) and I live in New Zealand.

My Dad, Alan FROST was 19 and stationed at Florida (Nggela) Is Guadalcanal in the Solomons during WW2 with the US '44 - '45.

My info is sketchy but Dad was with the New Zealand Airforce stationed with the US at a Seaplane Base they had there. He talked about the PT Boats and the Catalinas and he almost always said in any conversation about the War: that he had had the best time of his life.

I would be thrilled to get in touch with any Vets from Florida Island Seaplane Base, NZ or US, who might remember my Dad or any details about the Base and operations. I have a few photos from that time that I could share.

Many thanks,

Sincerely,

Glenys Carr
New Zealand
May 31, 2007

ZyougotwhatgetsmeZ@Zclear.net.nz

[Note: Omit the three Zs when using this address]

My late father, William Pavlik, served on Boat 321 in Squadron 21 in the New Guinea area in WW II. They frequently saw action there against the Japanese. This is why I have an interest in PT Boats.

If anybody knows anything about this squadron, please let me know as I would like more information about this group.

Thank you.

Tim Pavlik
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
May 18. 2007

ZtpavlikZ@ccacZ.edu

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I love your web page and books!

My father served in the Mediterrainian in W.W.2 . He served in Ron 15 on PT206. He was invoved in the Anzio invasion, Elba Island invasion, and the invasion of southern France. After his boat was transferred to the Yugoslavian Navy he went to the Pacific and was at Base 5. I have many photos of both and a great diary from the Med. that he kept and I hope to publish soon. He passed on in 1996 never saying much more than he had served in the Navy.

Although it may be difficult I would urge any Veterans to share thier unique and valued history, and would personally like to thank them for thier service.

If any of your readers know more of Ron 15 or Pacific Base 5, I would love to hear from them.

Thank you, William Pink
North Attleboro MA.
May 6, 2007

ZwepnkZ@Zhotmail.com

Please omit the 3 "Z's" from the e-mail add. when writing.

Hi,

I am from Australia and my family is looking for information on PT144 and the crew who came to Cairns Australia in 1943. A fellow by the name of Cecil Eugene Sellers was in Cairns Australia in 1943 with his mate Harold Van Cleave. We have information that they were in base 4 which we think is Cairns and also base 6 which was Kana Kopa in Papua New Guinea. On his letter heads were PT44 Base 4 c/o fleet p/o San Francisco California. We haven't been too successful in finding out who Cecil is or his mate Harold.

If there's anyone who reads this and have served with these two men could you please write to me at the address below. Our family are all anxious to find out information about these men. Any sort of lead would be grateful.

Regards, Katrina

Zmaggiemob4Z@bigpondZ.com
May 6. 2007

NOTE: Please omit the 3 Zs when using this address.)

Ken,

My father, Chester T. Szot of Passaic, NJ was and Electricians mate in RON 36. He was mostly on the 525 boat.
.
I read your web site which I found to be very interesting and I have also tried to contact some other members of RON 36 though feedback on your site. I have not been successful because the newest entry was in 2001.
.
My dad passed in 1993 but he always talked about his PT Boat. When he died the only picture I fouind in his wallet was his PT running full speed.
.
I guess I have a lot of unanswered questions about his time in the war. He never spoke about specific missions.
.
If you know of anyone from his squadron or his boat I would definately like to correspond with them.
.
Gary Szot
April 4,2007

ZdjangoZ@prodigyZ.net

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Ken,

Great site. I came across it while transcribing notes from an interview I conducted a few years ago with my dad. He served in the same area as you as part of Ron 30.

Terry Keel
January 15, 2007

Hi Ken,

I justed wanted to say thank you very much for a very informaive and well presented site. My interest in the Sqn is from both from a historical point of view and a modelling point of view as I hope to build one of the boats in service during early 44.

An excellent and well researched site that I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and will no doubt visit again.

My thanks for you presentation.

Alan McNeilly
Bedfordshire, England
January 15, 2007

Zalan.mcneillyZ@ntlworld.comZ

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Comments:

My father served in a PT Boat Flotilla during the entire run of WW II out in the Philippines area. He was a part of a group that picked up the vessels at Vancouver, WA. in early 1942 and moved them south into the San Francisco Bay and trained in the delta areas and worked out of Mare Island for a brief period. Then the boats were loaded for transport and moved into the Pacific theater. I don't know where they were off-loaded but they worked for the next three years harassing and interdicted Japanese resources along the coast lines of Luzon, Mindanao and other Philippine Islands. They were supported by air and submarines and also the locals. The life was tough one and there were lots of scary moments.

Your site helps me to better understand what he went through but also the wonders of how those brave seamen survived. They sure knew how to make do with almost nothing and individual ingenuity sure was prevalent in the boat commanders too.

Norman J. Silver
Vacaville, CA.
January 1, 2007

ZnpsilverZ@hughesZ.net

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Good morning to you and a happy new year. Already 30 minutes into the New Year!!

I was surfing through Google for information on a plastic model Vosper speed boat (3 rudders & props) which I feel may be up to 40 years old. Just happened to come across your site. I always enjoy listening to or reading about ex servicemen. A most interesting site.

Regards,
John Williams
Goroke, Victoria, Australia
December 3`,2006

ZpjchucklesZ@bigpond.comZ

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Sir:

I am writing on behalf of my Dad who is a US Army WWII vet and is now 83 years old. His name is Larry (Lawrence) Pisarski, same as mine. Sometimes back in 1944 he was on his way to the the Philippines on board a US troop ship named the USS Matthew P.Didier [?] While in the Leyte Gulf, at night, the ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze plane and there was a large fire on deck. There was an erroneous order given to abandon ship. My dad, who could not swim, jumped over the side and basically hit the water hard. By his account, he pretty much gave up because he figured he was drowning, which he probably was. He says that out nowhere, a PT Boat glided up beside him and some sailors pulled him out of the water and saved his life. He was out of it and probably in shock, but he does remember the boat's twin fifties and the 20 MM[?] firing away at the attacking planes. Oddly he states the tracers at night were beautiful. According to him, this boat pulled a number of people out of the water that night, some already dead and some dying.

He eventually recovered and later rejoined his unit. He never did get the number of the PT Boat, and he regrets this. Although similar events likely occurred hundreds of times in the Pacific, can any surviving PT Boat vets remember this or a similar event in the Leyte Gulf in 1944 that could have been the rescue of my father. If so, please contact my Dad through me, and I'll relay any information to him.

Larry Pisarski
Amsterdam, NY
December 11, 2006

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Ken,

This is my second guest book entry; the first was in April 2001.,

I just returned from a Veteran’s Day trip with my son to Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, www.battleshipcove.org. The PT exhibits there were excellent. Finally I got a true sense of the scale of these craft. Seeing these PT boats brought back to memory descriptions my father Robert C. Jarvis gave as a crew member of the PT-510. Thirsting for more information I returned to your wonderful site. Many thanks go to you for creating and maintaining this historical record of MTB Ron 35. My dad passed away in 1993 and he is interred in the Massachusetts National Cemetery on Cape Cod Massachusetts.,

, David Jarvis
Tyngsboro, MA 01879
12/04/2006

Xdjarvis22X@verizonX.net>,

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Good afternoon.

Came across your site thru Yahoo.

I'm always looking for new information about MTB's.

I have been out on the one at Key West FL twice. It gives you a feeling what they were like, but to be sitting on one doing 40. Now that's a ride I'd like to experience.

Unfortunetly, I found out after my wife's uncle died that he was a machinist on one in the South Pacific. He wasn't with the first group, but he was there in the earlier years of the war. I have his pin. Which is stamped with Elco on the back. Like a lot of other servicemen, he was quiet about the war and really never brought it up.

Between liberating POW camps and getting wounded in Germany, it was almost impossible to get my dad to talk about it.

I saw that the last fello who signed your guest book asked about movies. Do you have a list of movies besides, "They Were Expendable" & "PT 109"?

Thanks for any information you can supply.

Take care & Thank you for what you did.

Jim Foanio
Ft. Myers. FL
07/20/2006

ZsanibelcondoZ@Zearthlink.net

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Hi!

I just found your page on MTBs, and am writing for two reasons. First you wanted to know why I am here. I Googled MTB, and landed on your page. That is why I am here. I Googled that because I am interested in MTBs. I always thought they were really neat boats, and I like submarines, destroyers, and MTBs, in that order. I don't know why. I was never in the service, but if I was, that is what I would have chosen. I would have tried for the radio/sonar man.

I have been trying to get movies of MTBs, but they seem few and far between. I want to know every DVD available that shows MTBs. There are not many of them. Can you recommend some, or get somebody else that knows or them to do it?

Thanks! -Chris!

(P.S. I read books from the library on MTBs too, when I was reading about submaries and destroyers. There is not a whole lot written or shown on MTBs. I really thought they were really neat boats!!! :)

Thanks for your help. -Chris! :)

-- ZmyjunkmailxxZ@fastmail.Zfm

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Hello,

I enjoyed looking at your site and thank you for posting it. My father, Lloyd F. Morris, was a Gunner's Mate on PT's in the South Pacific somewhere. He didn't talk about it a lot. I have some old photos of he and his best friend, Smokey taken on some island, but I don't know which boats/squadron he was on. I know he served on more than one boat. I remember seeing a patch once which depicted a mosquito riding on a torpedo.

If anyone has any info regarding him, please contact me via email.

Thank you,

Doug Morris
Joplin, MO
June 7, 2006

Hi Ken,

Am sending these images of this sad looking but once proud boat no doubt. I do not know what type she was so perhaps you could enlighten me. Maybe she has had bits added. I took these photos at old limmasol port in Feb 06 and was trying on the web to see if I could find an image of an mtb, mgb but to no avail when I happened to come across your sight and what a superb one it is.

My uncle served in Royal Navy for 22 years as an AB but I do not know what ships he served on. I was too young to be interested in such things at the time and he died after leaving the forces by falling from a ladder and suffered a haemorrhage. His name was Vincent Fisher.

My name Edward and I am 69 years now.Thanks for your sight and have read every thing on it.

CHEERS

Eddie Fisher
Cyprus
March 13, 2006

ZeddfishZ@Zcytanet.com.cy

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Dear Ken

Just dropping you a line after reading your account of PT boats in the D-day landings.

The reason I found your page was that I had just watched John Ford's 'They were Expendable' and wanted to find out more about the boats. I knew a bit about the British Motor Torpedo Boats and their exploits in the Channel, and wanted more info as I understood the boats were similar in some ways. They, of course, differed considerably from the German E-boats.

Your account was fascinating, and opened up a whole chapter I was previously unaware of, and I'll certainly be doing more research into the subject as I'm fascinated by powerful engines (in cars, bikes, boats, planes etc.) and also the WW2 period of history.

Again, many thanks

. Regards

Lawrence Flowers
Lewes, England BN7 3DP
March 4, 2006

Sir,

I have seen your site and was most pleased,its nice to read about the whole life of a boat and not just the combat cituasions..

I am an former motorman 2end on a danish willemose class mtb(missile torpedo boat) there fore the intrest, the willemose class is a rather big boat..46meters long and 12750hp,very nice boats to handle,but sadly scrapped in 2000,so I terminated my job, couldn't stand the new fiberglass boats,p.o.s Your site is good... keep it up.

P.G.Moeller
February 13, 2006

I am an avid scuba diver and following up a story I'd heard of a MTB wreck in Loch Long, Scotland. I have often dived the loch but never came across any wrecks there. One day whilst diving a reef there, I met a couple of other divers that were just finishing their day diving and they mentioned that they had dived an MTB wreck just round the point.

I assumed this was a British MTB (as we have dived a couple of these in a neighbouring loch), I was therefore very surprised to hear that there was an American squadron stationed there. Have you come across any reports of any of their boats sinking there and if so do we know why it sank?

Look forward to hearing from you. Enjoyed ur site.

Dave Warner
U.K.
November 30, 2005

Zdavewarner970Z@msn.com>Z

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

I was searching for info about PT boats and found your site.

I have a model of a PT hull that my dad built while stationed in England. He was a Carpenter's Mate 2nd Class assigned to Squadron 35. I have a copy of the same photo of the crew of PT 518 that's on your site as well as the crews of the other PT's in the squadron.

My dad repaired the boats and actually followed them during their construction as part of his training. After the war he went on to be a builder and general contractor. He even built a few wooden boats and repaired woody station wagons back in the 50's. He passed away on August 10, 2001.

Richard S. Campbell
Burlington, N. C
November 15,2005

Zcampbell_richardZ@webtv.netZ

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Found your site very informative---thank you for maintaining it. I was looking for information on the boat my dad was on: USS Acontius (AGP-12). I'm especially looking for photos. Not sure if there are reunions for this boat. Dad was from Macon, Missouri. Dad's favorite story is the one where their still caught on fire on Christmas Eve, 1944. If anyone out there knows this story too, I'd love to hear from them.

Sandy Howell
Lenexa, Kansas
July 8, 2005

Zshowell7448Z@hotmailZ.com

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I’ve really enjoyed reading your website. I can’t believe how many people have responded.

I am the daughter of a PT Boat Navigator from Ron 23. My fathers name is Howard Hester and he will be 85 next month. His health is not very well and some dementia has set in. Even when he can’t remember the kids’ names or even my mothers’, he can always and does talk about the war and when he was on PT 278. I emailed a website the other day about the accident that my father said he was in on his PT boat. I assumed it was PT 278 but I believe it was another one. They were out in the Salamon Islands doing smoke screens when my fathers PT boat was hit by another PT boat. The radio man was the only one lost. My father and the others were saved after surviving in the water on their raft for several hours.

I would like to more about this and even the names of some of the other men. I did get a picture of the 278 but I am looking for more. I would like to share this with my dad for what ever time he has left. He reads and reads and hopes he’ll see his name in something. If anyone could help, I would appreciate it.

Thank you

Faye Scribner
June 22,2005

Zfamous0220Z@Zaol.com

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Ken,

I read your site with great interest,as well as the links. Thank you for the information.

I am doing a little research for my brother in law ,David Hagan. His brother,Elmer Morrell Hagan, was in RON 24 and 25 according to return addresses on saved letters written during his service in WW 2. The family knows no details such as his Boat Number,his job,etc. He was, I believe, a second class Motor Machinists Mate.Morrell is deceased.

My war was the Korean War,also in the Navy,as a carrier sailor for most of my 3 1/2 years service.

Thanks again.Your material gave me a great start.

Tommy Hines
June 20,2005

ZtommyhinesZ@Zbellsouth.net

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Hello,

I love reading your sight and have ordered several of the books mentioned online.

You can imagine my natural inspiration living in Portland, Oregon this spring of 2005, as PT 685 cruises the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in the heart of this city. Fully restored, and armed to the teeth, the boat and crew members of "Save the PT Boat Inc", radiate with the pride that is theirs alone.

Every spring this beautiful city celebrates an annual civic event called, "Rose Festival" which is complete with floral parades, concerts, pageants, carnivals and by a visit from the US and Canadian Navy's. Portland has a rich maritime history. This year, tied up along the sea wall in down-town with the modern Navy was the little wooden wonder that has stood the test of time. How wonderful it is to have such a great prize here in Portland.

The men, women, former PT boat crew, their wives, children, and volunteers all make us so proud. Their deeds in restoring this weathered old hulk to like new condition, and their efforts to make a permanent home for it here in Portland, raise them to American Hero status in my mind.

God bless all those that put themselves in harms way piloting these glorious vessels, bless the original vision to produce these great boats and bless those that brought one back to life, so future generations never forget the desperate measures nations must sometimes take in defense of their shores.

John Cermak
Beaverton, Or.
June 14, 2005

ZjohnthebodyZ@Zhotmail.com

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Hello,

I was looking around the internet and found your sight. I have a few Packard v-12 motors for sale if anyone is interested. Please feel free to contact me anytime about them Thanks for letting me be on your sight. I am from Buffalo, New York.

Thanks, Christophe

ZchoverkampZ@yahoo.com

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

I AM SON OF A MOTOR MECH 3 WHO SERVED AS A MECHANIC ON P.T.S ON THE U.S.S.ORESTES AGP10, WHICH WAS HIT BY A JAPANESE KAMAKZI WHILE SERVICING PTs IN THE MINDORO AREA , NOT AS GLAMOROUS AS THE BOATS, BUT THEY LOST 32 MEN FROM THIS STRIKE, AND DAD WAS FISHED OUT OF THE DRINK BY GUYS FROM ONE OF THE BOATS.

I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM OTHERS WHO WERE IN THAT AREA DEC.28, 29, 30, 1944.

I ALSO WENT NAVY BUT WAS AN AIRDALE, AM2 SERVING WITH PATROL /PHOTO SQUADRONS UP AND DOWN THE ATLANTIC COAST.
BILL D.
LOWELL,MA.
January 20, 2005

ZFIREMEC113Z@ZAOL.COM

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Ever since I saw "They Were Expendable" on television I have been intrigued by PT Boats. As a child I owned both the Revell model of the Higgins boat, PT 212 (with Japanese flags on the charthouse incorrectly indicating service in the South Pacific) and the Lindberg Elco boat model (I forget the number designation). When I discovered your website my interest was renewed. I have viewed many links to PT Boat organizations and it is nice to know that many of the old timers are keeping the boats 'alive'. Great job and keep up the good work.

Henry Heard
Boston, MA
January 20, 2005

ZhheardZ@Zkronos.com

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Dear Ken

I'm doing research for my autobiography. I was stationed at Bremerhaven Germany 1955-1957 at radio station NGB. The Russian Navy returned a number of lend-lease PT's, turning them over to us at Flensburg or Lubeck Germany in 1956. They were in sad shape, and our US Kiel Canal patrol using WWII German subchasers towed them to Bremerhaven where they were cleaned up and put in running condition. A crew from our station was assigned to each boat and (I think) some of the crews from the Rhine river patrol were assigned to take them down the coast and turned them over to the French Navy at Brest. This happened during the summer of 1956, and our guys came back in Aug or Sept.

Do you know anything about this transfer? Can you point me in the right direction?

Bravo Zulu on the website. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

/s/ an old tincan sailor
Mel Prokity, RMC, USN, Ret
Enterprise, AL
December 28,2004

ZMEL_PROKITYZ@Zpeoplepc.com

[NOTE: Omit the three "Z"s when using this e-mail address.]

Mr. Campbell,

My dad told me a little bit about his 4 year tour on a small island near the Phillipines that had a PT Boat engine repair station on it. He was a Diesel Repairman, Packard engines. He said that there were two docks on a beach with a rail system between them. They would pull a boat up to one dock and lift the engines out and up to a rail car that would then go from tent to tent until it was overhauled and sent to the other dock. There they would lower it back down into the boat and when it was tested good they would take off for their next run.

Does any one out there still remember a guy by the name of William "Bud" Bodin? He is still alive and well and living in northern Wisconsin. Is there any record of this operation or can anyone tell me anything more about it and maybe share some pictures if you have a scanner. He does not have a computer so I would have to share them with him if anyone has any to share.

Thank you for sharing your web site information and giving us this message board.
I am a 20+ year Navy Veteran myself.

Michael A. Bodin STGC(SW), USN-RET
December 20, 2004

treasurer42@yahoo.com>

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My father was the radio/radar operator on MTB Ron 37. He never spoke much about his time in the service and I would like what ever information I can find about his boat. I also have some limited 8mm movie footage and an original boat emblem of the lady on the torpedo.

Malcolm Height
Bryn Mawr, PA
December 20, 2004

Zmheight2Z@Zcomcast.net

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Hi Ken:

Just found your Book, and although I have not been completely through it yet, I wanted to mail you.

I served aboard the USS Unalga which was one of the target ships at Melville. The other was the USS Wycomico. I'm not sure when I went aboard, but we were in port on V-E day. I was an ETM2/c. I was trying to locate some pictures of Melville.

I was 80 on the 14th of November this year (2004).

If you can direct me to any photos of Melville, I would appreciate it.

Thanks for the great Web page, and keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Jud Latta
Battle Creek, Mi.
Nov. 30, 2004

Zjlatta1Z@Zjuno.com

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Mr. Campbell,

Being born in 1951 I only know PT Boats from "McHale's Navy" T-V series and PT 109 Information. I Always have been interested in mechanics and fast vehicles of all kinds. I started looking for PT info in 2002 when I got my first computer.

After recently acquiring Patrick Macnee's Autobiography "Blind in One Ear" and learning he served on a British Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) and seeing the specifications of it listed in his book, I tried to reconcile HIS Boat info to OUR PT Boat specifications.

His book had MTB Specifications (Chapter 7 Page 127 listed 71' 6" length, 19' 3" beam, 3 V-12 Packard Supercharged engines and Top Speed of 38-40 Knots) similar to our PT's.

Upon looking up PT Specs again I came upon your site and enjoyed it very much.

By the way, Mr. Macnee's book is very entertaining and nicely done in a tongue-in-cheek manner although it only touches lightly on MTB's and the War in general.

I have always enjoyed building fast, exciting and "Different" vehicles for me and my family including Mini-Bikes, Go-Karts, Motorcycles, Corvettes, Street Rods, Street Machines, etc. although I am not a person comfortable on the water. Oh well---------

Thanks for your Website and here is wishing you well in ALL your endeavors!

Theron Helton
November 27, 2002

ZtrhesqZ@Zctitech.com

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Served from 1941- 1946 mtbs (d)type ... petty officer RNR at time. ..now 81 living in Australia

ZjrackrillZ@aapt.Znet.au

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Hello!

Just wanted to let you know that I think it is of vital importance we keep these pages up and functioning. Too many in this generation know nothing about much of the sacrifice made for them. Thank you for educating me as well.

Have a wonderful evening!

Jay
Coos County, OR
November 4, 2004

Hi Mr. Campbell,

I am looking for anyone who might have information about my Dad, Clayton Carroll. He was a machinist mate on a PT boat. His discharge papers say MTB #10 and he has a picture of PT 169 so we are wondering if he was aboard that boat. He has many pictures of his adventures in New Guinea and pictures of the crew but we cannot see the exact number of the boat. Does anyone have crew lists for the PT boats? We would love to find more information about his boat. His grandchildren are very proud of him and would like to know more. He talked about the fact that it might have been hit by friendly fire at one time, and he lost some shipmates. He also spoke about going down a river and picking up Japanese prisoners of war. He passed away and we miss his wonderful stories about his "buddies".

Thank you for your help.

Judy Birk
Bow, Washington
October 26, 2004

ZjdbirZk@Zworldnet.att.net

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I very much enjoyed your site. It is amazing how these little boats have endured over time. It is actually the daring exploits of brave sailors who took them in harm’s way that endures. I’ve built a 60 inch scratch built model of the British A1 Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat. I built the boat in 1969 while stationed in Germany as a US Army Helicopter pilot. I used an old Revell-Monogram 1/72 scale plastic kit as my template. It sat in storage for many years and now I’ve pulled out the original glow engine and am installing 3 large electric motors.

My boat will be an operating tribute to the men who fought these boats in war.

Michael Jones
Alki Beach, Seattle, WA
October 10, 2004

ZhookpilotZ@Zmsn.com

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Nice to find some interesting information about the WW2 boats. I volunteered for the MTB following a stint as radio operator at Bainbridge, Md and of course was sent to Melville where it was one cold winter. Sent to Subic Bay, Philippines where soon after the boats were decommissioned and turned over to the P. I. government. I think the Filipinoes used the boats for fishing craft.

Thanks for placing your web site where old sailors can see.

Bobby C. Watson, RM2/C
Hoxie, Arkansas

ZbwatsonZ@bscnZ.com

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Hi Ken

Great web page. I am writing a book on the TCS series of transmitter/receivers used during the war. Many PT boats were equipped with these...have you got any information of the radio equipment you encountered on PT boats?

Regards and thanks

Ludwig Combrinck, Ph.D
Krugersdorp, South Africa
August 6, 2004

ZludwigZ@ZhartraoZ.ac.za

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Hello Mr. Campbell,

First, let me thank you for creating this web page and making the information about PT Boats available to those of us who admire not only the men who served aboard them but also to the missions of the boats. My thanks to you and all those great men. Although I was not even born when you guys performed your duty I want you to know how grateful I am. Those were really some slick boats and even though it was not my time, I can only imagine how everyone wanted to put the war behind them. I'm so disappointed that so many of those boats were destroyed, however, I believe I can understand.

As for myself, don't know if you would be interested but here is some information about me. I am 56 years old, served 10 years in the U.S. Navy from 68 to 78 and I'm named after one of my Dad's buddies from WWII. Unfortunately, my dad passed away very young, age 34 in 1959. He was a gunner on several Liberty Ships in the North Atlantic. I actually had the opportunity to meet my dads buddy (whom I was named me after) when the carrier I was on (Intrepid) was in the yards in Philadelphia. I hunted him down and was in uniform when I met him. When he realized who I was, he actually cried. That was quite an emotional meeting and he told some good things about my dad.

Thanks again and hope I didn't feed you TMI. (Too Much Info)

Mike McCalister
Seneca, SC
July 31, 2004

ZjustmikeZ@innova.net

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Ken,
I'm doing research for a book I'm writing. Now about to interview a crew member of PT375. He saw action at Iwo and Okinawa. Just gathering data and found your site.
Bravo Zulu.

Don Muarrin
Havertown, PA.
March 12, 2004

ZDMurrinZ@Zmsn.comZ

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HI Ken,

Great site! I served on PT285, Ron23. Started at Tulagi and ended up in the South China Sea on the island of Palawan. Served as Quatermaster 1st class and crew chief. Any Ron 23 folks out there? I would like to hear from them.

Best regards,

John A. Gardella
February 25, 2004

ZJGARD84610Z@ZAol.comZ

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My interest in your page is that in the summer of 1942 I worked as timekeeper during the construction of the underground MTB base at Melville. At the time I lived in nearby Fall River, Mass. I now live in Sioux City, Iowa.

Ralph Leach
Sioux City, IA
February 16, 2004

ZmailZ@Zralphleach.comZ

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I've been searching, unsuccesfully, for anyone from CO.361-43, Regiment 3, Battalion 12, US Navel Training Station, Farragut, Idaho July 8, 1943.... R.B.Stull C. Sp. Co. Cmdr.
I have their company graduation photo which I found on a Mare Island ferryboat years ago....
This photo has been signed by many of the sailors that day and I thought that someone of them might want it...
.I saw your website and thought it might help me return this to one of these fine fellows.
Thank you......

.Ney Raahauge
Wheaton,IL
February 15. 2004

E-mail: ZCat30daneZ@Zcomcast.netZ

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Very interesting site.
I own a 1940 63ft whaleback motor gun boat, MGB 205. She was built for the norwegian navy as a submarine chaser by the british powerboat company but with the outbreak of war commissioned into the Polish navy, serving on the south coast. Whilst sadly she doesnt have the orgional merlin engines, she is still in excellent condition for her age and I hope to take her to sea in the not to distant future. She is moored on the River Medway, Kent.

Regards.....

Gordon Cavell
Kent, England
Janurary 23, 2004

ZstevieraymanZ@Zyahoo.comZ

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Thank you for the information on PT Boats on the internet.

I was raised in New Orleans near the Higgins City Park Plant. At the present time I am researching Higgins Boats. The book that sparked my research is ANDREW JACKSON HIGGINS AND THE BOATS THAT WON WORLD WAR II. It was written by Jerry E. Strahan. Great book.

Do you have any information and pictures of the buring of PT Boats in the Pacific just after WWII ? I understand that they were burned on site rather than bring them back to the US.

[Ed: The previous statement is correct.]

I have several books on the PT. One of the books lists every PT Boat built and what hapened to it. If interested I can copy the listing. Please let me know.

[Ed: Such a list can be found at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/mandm/list.htm]

Thanks again for great info. Take care, keep up the great work.

Marvin P. Guillie
Kinston, AL.
January 14, 2004

ZmpguillieZ@Zalaweb.comZ

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Hi Ken,

Enjoyed your website. I served on P.T.285 for two plus years . Started at Tulagi and ended up in the South China Sea at Pallawan. I was navigator aboard boat called "The Fighing Irish" Wilbur Pooley was skipper. Sold several stories about our exploits, some true, some almost true, I should say based on actual combat experiences. Keep up the good work. John A. Gardella, Quartermaster 1st Class
Tinton Falls, NJ
January 12, 2004

ZJGARD84610Z@ZAol.ComZ

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Ken,

Thanks for writing this history. Too many of the lesser known histories of the war are being lost forever. The information presented was very informative and interesting.

I am currently on assignment at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., and the proximity to Melville got my interest up and I started searching for information on the old PTTC.

Thanks again.

CDR Jeff Saine, USCG
Alameda, CA
February 4, 2003

Lcdrjsaine@aol.com
Hello Ken,

I find your site wonderful as clearly do many many others. I'm the author of 'Millington's Mission' [Harper Collins, Aust] and Tasman Millington would be of great interest to you [especially his PT boat operations in neutral Turkey WW-II]. Great site, Mate.

Best regards,

John Samuels
Austraila
January 27, 2003

john.samuels@bigpond.com
My father became a PT Boater after training at Melville R.I. I still have his certificate. He was sent to Ron 10, PT167; the " Who Me".

PT167 has a sort of celebrity status in that it is the boat, although not always identified, photographed in the black and white stripes with a big hole in the hull inches below the deck under the 37mm. The hole was caused by a frustrated Japanese torpedo plane. The torpedeo skipped off the water and went in one side of the boat and out the other with out exploding.

PT167 also lived a short life as a model. Revell made the kit which showed the boat in those damn stripes. A notation on the box said it could also be made as JFKs boat.

If anyone has information on PT167 crew members (I have some photos of the crew but first names only) or RON 10 area views I would like to hear from you.

William John Lynch
174 Highland Place
January 8, 2003

wlynch@altrionet.com
Hi, I saw your site on the net. My father was a torpedo's mate stationed on Tulagi during the war. He read "PT 109" and discovered that he had lived in the same hut that JFK had lived in on Tulagi but after JFK had moved on. Any idea where i could get a detailed map of Tulagi?

Ron Scribner
Omaha, NE
January 7, 2003

ronmonica@cox.net

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