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I enjoyed visiting
Shermie's Place, and reliving some of my memories of Kwaj. On the Eve of
joining the US Navy 55 years ago (20 Feb. 1952) your site brought back
many memories. I was an 18 year old who had just finished Boot Camp in
San Diego and was transferred to Kwaj as a member of the CBD
(Construction Battalion Detachment) 1509 of the SeaBees. It was quite a
change form being in High School at Denver's South High!
My first experience was flying on an R5D (DC 6) from Hickham Air Force
Base and losing an engine 2 hours out of Johnston Island. It was very
sobering after about an hour to look out the window and see a B-17
flying with us with a huge yellow rescue boot attached to it's
underside. We returned to Johnston Island for engine repairs and
proceeded to Kwaj.
On arrival I staid at the receiving center in the terminal until being
assigned to the Transportation Division. I spent my year tour of duty in
the garage office keeping track of all of the vehicles on the island and
calling them in for PM (Preventive Maintenance).
Following a few months of living in the old WW II Quonset Huts we moved
into the new 3 story barracks.
We enjoyed nightly shows at the Richardson outside theater and were
occasionally treated to a live USO Show. It was a great time for an 18
year old, and I cherish the memories!
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Paul E. Thomas,
MD - Email:
fourptmd@cox.net |
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