Post May 21, 1944 analysis

We stayed on EWA far longer than many of us thought we would and we attributed this to the ammo ships blowing up. Suddenly we were given extra duties, like guard duty, where we would be protecting our own from harm; plus, we guarded the assets we were taking with us. It made sense that the ammo ships had somehow delayed our involvement. We went into Honolulu a few more times, revisited Waikiki Beach and just killed time. Now, to shoot ahead about 40 years; I was reading the Seattle P.I. in the 1980s when I suddenly saw an article about the May 21 explosions! It didn't surprise me really, but those explosions caused the catastrophe to be labeled TOP SECRET and someone must have forgotten all about it, hidden away in some obscure files! I have the article but I'm going to tell this from memory; plus, just lately there was an interesting TV show that explored what happened: It turns out that besides the ammunition ships (2) blowing up there were six LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) involved. There was a loss of life of over 200 men and all of this was designated to be used in the invasion of the Mariana Islands! The figures we saw probably were bodies; the large objects going up in the air were the tanks and apparently some of the tanks were thrown onto land, where they were rusting. Although labeled top secret there were safe havens in Pearl that helped the one 2 man Japanese submarine that got through the Pearl Harbor entrance on December 7, 1941 and fired one torpedo that probably sank one of our battleships! They just found evidence that the two Japanese were to go to a safe haven in Pearl City! Probably the same with the explosions.

May 21, 1944 - Pearl Harbor, again?

We had only been at EWA a short time, having arrived early May. During that time there was little to do because we deduced that EWA was a short time stop; many people gave us this impression. Anyway, on this particular day, May 21st we were mostly all outside our tents, talking, when all of a sudden there was a tremendous explosion! It took us a few seconds to finally locate the plume of smoke and then all hell broke loose! As we looked almost due North we were not thrilled to see that the explosions could be coming from the Lochs in Pearl Harbor! Were we under attack, I wondered, but, looking around I could see no return fire from the area that housed the battleships, so what was happening - we all wondered? We stood in wonder as explosion after explosion occurred. These explosions were from five to 10 miles away we thought. We still did not hear any sirens, nor see any planes. Pretty soon I said that I thought I could see figures that looked like bodies, but there was disagreement on this, until someone else said he agreed; then, we watched in awe as huge objects were tossed high in the air like tennis balls. I don't know how long we watched these explosions, but it was a long time before the explosions started tapering off. Long after the explosions stopped we finally hit the sack. In the morning we asked the first officer we saw what had happened? He said he heard that two ammunition ships had blown up and he thought there were about 10 or 11 casualties. We took this at face value, but I put this question mark in the far recesses of my memory.

We visit famous Waikiki Beach

The next day we all wanted to go to the beach so we got in trucks and went up the coast for some time before we saw the "perfect" beach; we got out and inflated our mattress covers from our bunks; then we would tie the end with a half knot and scoot in about 3" of water - whee! We had so much fun we decided to go back to the same spot and guess what? A storm out at sea produced high winds which decimated the sand on this spot! We had to go on further up to find what we were looking for. Then we made trips past Pearl H., on the right, up to near Pearl City, where the Base Hospital No. 6 (8?) was, where I found out my tennis doubles partner, Howard Higgins, was based, as a Corpsman; past Hickam Housing and past Hickam A.F.B., on the right; on past downtown Honolulu to Waikiki Beach. Further down the beach was the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, in pink, where we stopped. The drinkers enjoyed Mai Tai's; I watched Bobby Riggs, great tennis player, in his prime, on the Royal Hawaiian tennis courts ; outside, on the beach, was Caesar Romero, famous movie actor and a Latin heart throb; he's in the Coast Guard. From the Royal Hawaiian I looked down the beach toward Diamond Head and there was only 1 building between the two! (Today it's stacked with everything). In a few days we go to the beach close to EWA, just a short distance from the entrance to Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor and Honolulu

We couldn't wait to go on liberty and see Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. We left EWA, hopped a boat and went across to Pearl Harbor. We looked at the battleships, destroyers, cruisers, etc., which had largely been restored from Dec 7, 1941. I saw the New Jersey (?) battleship and it looked huge and in great shape; but the whole harbor looked in tip top condition. I was seeing it approximately 29 months after Pearl. We then continued on to Honolulu. When we got into the city it was teeming with servicemen of all stripes, except for admirals and generals. Let me tell you that sex of one form or another was the mainstay of the day. There were lines of servicemen, which included officers also, waiting to visit the many prostitutes; if you wanted a picture with a pretty Hawaiian girl the cameraman would take his time, while you needed three hands to fend off her two hands exploring the 13 buttons, but most of the guys "just enjoyed the experience." It was beautiful in Honolulu and extremely interesting; you could eat the many exotic foods and fruits of Hawaii; entertainment was first class. Every Hawaiian dancer was named "Helen"; and we saw all the movies when they first came out. I remember seeing "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald; tremendous vaudeville shows with current performers; and current performers from Grand Old Oprey, like Eddie Arnold, Minnie Pearl, etc. At day's end we caught the boat back to EWA.

Sea Legs

By the next a.m. I was feeling fairly good and was walking better. Had breakfast. Have you ever put your tray on a high table, while you were standing up? It's fun eating that way and watch your glass of juice, milk, or whatever, to keep it from spilling. Now the waves were smaller; lots of flying fish, which were fun to see. Slowly I had improved to get my "sea legs." We seemed to be going in a zig-zag pattern, probably to dissuade submarines, and why was that jolt last night? We never found out. After a few days we sighted land and then it became more evident that we were approaching the Hawaiian Islands. Finally, we arrived at Oahu and by now almost everyone had their sea legs, but it was a surprise when we got on shore; the land seemed to be moving! We laughed about that. We disembarked and were taken to a place named EWA (pronounced EV-ah); set up our tents; duties were assigned and we realized we were just a short distance from Pearl Harbor. My duty was with about 4 other guys, including the driver (from Texas); we drove up and around and came back to Honolulu to pick up the mail. Sounds easy, but the Texas driver got us in two accidents on the way! First he ran into someone and it was tricky staying on the flat bed of the truck where three of us were sitting down behind the cab; none of us was hurt; then he and a truck loaded with pineapples had a collision and the distraught guy told us to pick up the pineapples in the street and take them back with us. We did! Everyone back at base got some great pineapple that day.

Boy, I love the waves, urp

"Oh, I joined the Navy - to see the sea - and what did I see? I saw the sea." I think those are the words to start that song. Well, pretty soon a couple of guys in our group said they thought they would go below and "rest." I looked at them and told the men remaining, "I think they look a little green - I'll bet they are getting sea sick!" After about another half hour of watching the breakers go over the bow of the boat I suddenly didn't feel so good so I told the remaining guys I thought I would go below and rest. Shortly after going below I thought to myself that I was going to get sea sick - probably like the others. Sure enough, I made it to the tub in the center, which was no longer "empty" and made my deposit. I felt better so went back up the ladder; hadn't been there very long and felt like I was getting sick, so here we go again! By now quite a few had come down "to rest." Later on it was chow time again, but didn't feel hungry; it was another story when it was chow time again; I made it barely past those blasted garbage cans; was standing in line smelling the food and went back below again. That night we were all asleep when suddenly the ship jolted and felt like we had hit something; or, maybe something hit us! The guys who weren't sick raced for the ladder and headed up the stairs; not me, I said "Let the damn ship go down - there would have to be an alarm to send us topside!" In the a.m. I still couldn't get past the garbage can smell so returned to my bunk. By that evening I was feeling good enough to eat some soup, or anything and I made it. Felt better, but still not great. (Cont'd)

Goodbye Boat Basin

At last! After several days of doing nothing but eating, getting our seabags packed with clean clothes, writing letters home to our loved ones, we've finally been told that tomorrow we will push off; "be ready by such and such a time to leave base, with everything left in shipshape condition." We all got up early, got ready, ate and waited; finally leaving by bus to go to the train depot. I looked back at Oceanside and the boat basin and it was unanimous that all of us couldn't have been better treated; we left with a good feeling and anxious to see what happens next. The train took off and before the day was out we got off in San Francisco; went aboard a boat called the "Island Mail" and were told to go below and pick out a bunk. It was a strange area we thought; bunks all around and in the center was a very large tub-empty! We all were hungry, so we went on top; walked by a bunch of garbage cans; went through lines for some very good food; went back out and looked over the Bay. It was beautiful, sun shining; so pretty I thought Mom would have liked to paint a picture. Early the next a.m. we ate breakfast and stayed on top looking at the beautiful waves breaking toward the bay. Pretty soon we shoved off and went under the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and started hitting those beautiful waves, rocking the boat up and down and sideways and....well, you can guess what happens soon.

Oh Yes - The war - Mar & Apr 1944

The war is going admirably, thank you; but, like any war, there's a price to pay. March '44; 4 Soviets launch spring offensive in the Ukraine; 6-8 First USAAF bomber raids on Berlin; 15 Allies renew attack on Monte Cassino. Pacific; Japanese launch U-Go offensive into Assam; 17-18 U.S. carrier aircraft destroy Japanese Navy Base at Truk; 29-July 8 Battle of Imphal-Kohima; Japanese repulsed from India; 30-31 U.S. aircraft from 11 carriers attack Palau Is. April '44; 2 Soviets enter Romania; 10 Soviets capture Odessa; 17 Soviets take Turnopol. Pacific; 17 Japanese begin Ichi-Go offensive against USAAF bases in southern China; 22 Allies land at Hollandia and Aitape (New Guinea). It should be noted that The North American P-51 Mustang, originally built to RAF specifications became the best all around fighter in the European Theater, and indeed the entire war. Fast, tough and heavily armed, it excelled both as an air superiority fighter and a ground attack aircraft. Significantly, its ability to escort bombers to distant German targets drastically cut bomber losses even as it achieved the destruction of the Luftwaffe fighter force.

Fred, Buddy and I - in Long Beach

The three of us met the next day in Long Beach where we had a great time. First, we decided to get our picture taken at a photography shop we saw. I was placed in the middle with Fred and Buddy on each side of me. Then, while the pictures were being developed we went to the wooden monster and had several rides on it, laughing all the time, even though I don't like high places. We walked around the park, eating whatever we wanted and then, we had three girls who were determined to make our acquaintance. If we walked one way they got in front of us and if we walked another there they were, smiling all the time. We never could figure out how old they were but we decided they were "San Quentin Quail" and avoided them at all costs until they left. We went back and picked up our pictures; picked one and had three copies made, which they mailed for us to our folks place; mine going to Boulder, CO., not 607 Maxwell; nor 1017 Maxwell where I had previously lived but at a house I only saw once at Marine Dr. My folks, William H. Don and Dora L. Don had moved there to fix it up, sell it and move to Oregon where my Dad worked at the Tillamook Blimp Base in the war effort; then later to Los Angeles where Mom worked for Douglas Aircraft in the war effort. All three of us have been told to stay close to base because something was going to happen sooner than later. Overseas? Yep. We're anxious to go and get it over with.

The crazy wild private, er sergeant, er private Marine

(Cont'd) The Marine told me he was thirsty and asked an officer if he would get him a bottle of whiskey and that he would pay him $10. The officer hesitated and then said he would; so sure enough he brought the whiskey to the area, handed the bottle over to the Marine and asked for the $10; quickly the Marine said, "You just broke a rule about getting whiskey to me so you don't get the money; now get the hell out of here!" The officer left. I laughed along with Fred and Buddy and asked wasn't that a little dangerous? He said it was dangerous for the officer! Pretty soon he left the tent to relieve himself and Fred said, with Buddy nodding yes, that this Marine was a hurricane in battle they had been told; any "Jap" he saw he killed; he took no prisoners; and he always was raised in rank to sgt. during battle; and then demoted back to private in non battle zone areas; and that was what he was now, a private. Fred said he heard on good authority that an officer tried to discipline him and this sergeant told the officer bluntly he would obey "if he had to, but that officer had better never be seen by the Marine in battle, because he wouldn't make it back alive!" I had heard of rare instances of officers and M/Sgts being shot by "friendly fire" and I didn't doubt for a second that he meant what he said. Fred and Buddy agreed. The three of us agreed to go tackle the wooden monster roller coaster in Long Beach tomorrow.

Hey, Swabbie, have a drink of my whiskey

Early the next day, I walked to Camp Pendleton to see my Boulder buddies, Fred and Buddy. Little did I realize what entertainment was in store! I signed in when I got to the entrance and was directed to where I could find Fred and Buddy. I walked into a tent area, found them and we walked around a little; then we went back to their tent. Both were anxious to have me meet one of their tent partners, a slightly older man than we were (18-19). He was about 24 or so; hadn't shaved, and he had a bottle of whiskey in one hand. Fred had told me, laughing, that he was a little crazy wild; he had already seen some action, and he hated the enemy with a passion; that he had a friend that was captured by the "Japs" at night and was tortured so that he was sometimes screaming; this was going on so the Marines would try to rescue him but then they would be ambushed and probably more captured. The image of this was what had sent him over the edge. So, as I shook hands with him I found he was trying to pressure my hand and I responded by shaking "firmly" also. I had a very strong grip and usually won gripping contests. He looked me carefully in the eyes and said, "I like you, Swabbie--have a drink!; and with that he offered me his bottle! I was kind of taken aback because I had never drunk hard liquor. I liked dandelion wine my little paternal German Grandmother, Sofia Bay/BeyDon made, and her German beer, which she "steeped" by the chimney in the upstairs of our house at 2028 Spruce St. in Boulder, CO. So I started to say no thanks when he practically yelled, "Have a drink, Swabbie!" I looked over at Fred and Buddy and they smiled, so I deceptively took the bottle up, put my tongue against the opening, pretended I took a drink and handed the bottle back, while "swallowing." He liked this. I asked him how he got whiskey. Then he started telling me an astonishing story. Fred and Buddy started laughing. (Cont'd)

Cadet Nurse Marion returns to Seattle

Why is it that when you're having sooo much fun time slips away and before you know it Marion's leave ended. We were sad at another parting, but we both knew we had a big job to do--win the war; "Corky," taking care of patients so they could quickly become contributors to the war effort. For me, "Hank," it meant doing the very best I was capable of, to do my part in the war effort. We both just wanted the war over and enjoy normal married life, whatever that was. When Marion left we kissed and we "knew" we were destined to have a life together after the war. I stayed at the boat basin, ate their great food, but missed Corky at night. After about a day I contacted my Marine buddies, Curtis "Buddy" Warner; and probably my best friend, Fred Midcap. Fred had a "winning" closed mouth grin that somehow endeared him to attractive ladies. Buddy was described by women as handsome, but both he and Fred were in "for the long haul--to win!"; and win we must! Buddy was actually a "shirttail" relative since one of his twin brothers, Jimmy, was married to my 2nd cousin, Margie Ackerman. They invited me to come visit them at Camp Pendleton the next day and see how they lived. I agreed and went back to the boat basin.

Marion meets some simian relatives!

I was cleared for the day and "Corky" (Marion McCorkle) and I hit 99 early, put out our thumbs and got a ride to the San Diego Zoo (Car owners were wonderful to us and to all service members). We were very impressed at the zoo and its attractions, and we had lots of laughs at the monkeys and the Great Apes. We didn't ever eat much, as I remember. It was a full day when we finished the zoo. We saw a lot and Marion gently hit me as I told her she reminded me of her monkey friends. Hitch-hiking back to the Carlsbad Hotel we got ready for a good swim at the beach, where we took some photos. We were having a blast and Marion had paid $5 a day ($1.50 was the average daily wage) at the hotel. We completely forgot the war and the hospital. Then Marion showed me the booklet we received from the minister when we got married. There were a lot of "positions" we hadn't a clue about, but by the time she left we had tried them all. Not bad.....not bad! Marion called her sister, Juanita and she learned that Marion's Aunt Letha McCorkle Dodson and her husband Kenneth were in San Diego. We met them the next day. Kenneth Dodson had been born in South Africa to missionary parents; left to go to sea at a young age; became a Captain in the Merchant Marine; was coveted by the Navy and was commissioned a 1st Lt. We met them and went walking to a small cafe for lunch, when some enlisted navy men walked by, saluted Kenny and what was I thinking ? I saluted them back! We all laughed at that. Embarrassed? Yep.

Change of Plans

Early the next a.m. Marion made plans to go to the Carlsbad Hotel, about 5 miles away, while I left early to get back to camp, check in for roll call, and if we had no duties I would go back to the Beach Hotel and meet Marion. I had to wait for her at the hotel and when she showed up she proudly informed me she had walked the five miles (!) to the Carlsbad Hotel, rented a room for the duration of her stay and walked back to meet me! Wow, I was impressed, even though we were both in great shape and athletes to boot! We got out on the freeway (99 - I5 was later) and we both stuck out our thumbs - and immediately got a ride. I soon realized the car stopped for Marion, but I was with her! We visited my aunt Ollie's son, Forrest and her daughter in law Alberta in Santa Monica. We talked over current and old times; took some pictures; had a late lunch and prepared to go back to the Carlsbad Hotel. Along the way we had our photo taken; the same one that was published in the Everett, WA Herald newspaper on Valentines Day Feb. 14, 2010; but that's another story. We went to the beach at Carlsbad and just soaked up the sun, and laughed at the funny things that had happened to us in our short married life! I just realized that I vaguely remember tar balls of oil on the beach, but we didn't let little things spoil our "vacation". Tomorrow we are going to the San Diego Zoo! Should be fun.

The Fence

(Cont'd) As I approached the fence I looked up and an officer was coming straight at me. I froze..and hoped! He was a Lt. 1st class and he never once glanced at me; he dipped through the fence and kept walking! I did the same. When I arrived at the Beach Hotel Marion was waiting for me; we greeted each other and were interested in "catching up on the latest." It was a great feeling to see my wife again! We talked for hours while walking around; with darkness approaching we walked out in a field by a train trestle to look at the luminous night sky and the Pacific ocean while we hugged and kissed; this led to more and afterward we were getting ready to walk back to Marion's hotel when, about 150' away a match glowed and I could see the glow of a cigarette! We had been seen by a guard of the railway trestle! We laughed, hastily got ready to leave - quickly! Clearing the area we laughed as we got into Oceanside. We made plans for early tomorrow to hike into L.A. and on to see my second aunt and uncle, Alberta and Forest Allen. Then Marion told me the best news; a young woman by the hotel had offered her bedroom for the night since her military husband had overnight field maneuvers. It was a wonderfully relaxing experience; I didn't have to worry about sneaking back into Camp Scott at Farragut and I only had to get back to camp at a certain time for roll call, after which we would again be dismissed for 24 hours. Ah, heaven!, even if temporary.