CONFIDENTIAL
MARINE
FIGHTING SQUADRON 222, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP 11
FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE,
C/O FLEET POST OFFICE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
WAR
DIARY
From
1
June 1944, to 31 June 1944 |
|
|
Distributions::
|
Commandant,
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps
Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet
Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet,
Commanding General, Aircraft, F. M F. Pacific
Commanding General, First Marine Aircraft Wing
File
|
|
| Geographical
Location of Unit: |
|
Espiritu Santo |
|
| Name
of Commanding Officer: |
|
Major
Roy T. SPURLOCK, USMCR |
| Name
of next higher echelon:
|
|
Marine
Aircraft Group ELEVEN |
|
| Roster
of Flight Echelon: |
|
|
|
| SPURLOCK
Roy T. |
Major |
|
Commanding
Officer |
|
| JOHNSON,
Robert E. |
Major |
|
Executive
Office |
|
| DOWNS,
John E. |
Captain |
|
Flight
Officer |
|
| SCHAEFER,
George C. |
WO |
|
Intelligence
Officer |
| BRITTINGHAM,
John T. |
Lt. |
|
Flight
Surgeon |
|
| BOWLING,
Maurice |
StfSgt |
|
Flight
Clerk |
|
| |
|
|
| BARNARD,
Harold Jr. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
BROOKS,
Wendell G. |
2nd. Lt. |
| BEKINS,
Robert, Jr. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
BROWN,
Fred I. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| DINGFELTER,
Clyde A. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
CHARLTON,
Douglas W. |
2nd. Lt. |
| FARR,
Sheldon G. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
DRIFTMIER,
John F. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| FITZGERALD,
Edward A. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
DUGAN,
Patrick |
2nd.
Lt. |
| FOOTE,
Robert E. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
FLICKINGER,
Judson |
2nd.
Lt. |
| GILLESPIE,
Robert L. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
GRIFFITH,
Donald C. |
2nd. Lt. |
| HARKINS,
Robert W. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
HANSEN,
Dale W. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| HUNTER,
A. C. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
HEILMAN,
Roland B. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| JOHNSTON,
Vesta |
1st.
Lt. |
|
KRIEGER,
Fredrick W. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| LANGLEY,
Ralph R., Jr. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
LIND,
Fenwick W. |
2nd. Lt. |
| LEVINE,
James H. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
LYNCH,
James W. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| MACK,
Melvin M. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
MARSHALL,
Samuel P. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| MATNEY,
F. K. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
McCALL,
Lewis B. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| MATTINGLY,
Francis E. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
McIVER,
Richard W. |
2nd. Lt. |
| PERINO,
August J. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
PERU,
Archie G. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| TEETER,
Virgil L., Jr. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
VAUGHN,
Alfred B. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| WALDEN,
Ennis E. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
GAGE,
John B. |
2nd.
Lt. |
| YORK,
Warren M., Jr. |
1st.
Lt. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Roster
of Ground Echelon Officers: |
| HAND,
Ralph. G. |
Captain |
|
Commanding
Officer |
|
| LAWLER,
Robert. P. |
2d
Lt |
|
Materiel
Office |
|
| SCHALLER,
L. W. |
CWO |
|
Engineering
Officer |
|
| SAINT,
J. L. |
WO
|
|
Adjutant |
|
|
| Jun.
1 |
|
|
DUGAN
flew familiarization flight, having returned to flying status
from his recent hospitalization due to the injuries sustained
in his crash landing at Green Island. |
|
|
Jun.
2 |
|
0715-0840
|
BARNARD
and MATNEY took off on negative patrol of New Hanover. |
0840-1115 |
FARR
and HUNTER took off on negative patrol of Kavieng. |
1240-1530
|
FOOTE
and DUGAN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng, They flew over
the airfield for one half hour before releasing the bombs
just to heckle the enemy who expected the bombs. They dropped
from 9,000 feet In a 30 degree dive but both bombs missed
the strip by at 1east 800 yards. Rest of patrol negative. |
1630-1920
|
FITZGERALD
and LYNCH took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Only one plane
had a bomb due to a flat tire causing a last minute switch.
The one bomb fell harmlessly in the water. Remainder of flight
was negative. |
|
|
Jun.
3 |
|
0700-0915
|
LANGLEY
and GILLESPIE took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Only one
bomb dropped on target and it was a damaging miss on building
in Kavieng Town. Second bomb was jettisoned with bomb rack
when it failed to release. Rest of patrol negative. |
0900-1200 |
D0WNS
and DUGAN took off to cover two TBFs on shipping reconnaissance
of New Ireland and New Hanover. Entire flight negative. |
1030-1300
|
YORK
and BROWN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. One bomb dropped
on Kavieng airfield but damage unobserved. BROWN broke hydraulic
line and bomb and rack became disengaged. Remainder of flight
negative. |
1435-1725 |
PERU
and VAUGHN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng, first bomb
exploded in a plane revetment north of runway and second was
one-half mile from the field. Remainder of flight negative. |
1245-1626
|
MACK
and MARSHALL escorted SCAT plane to Green Island. |
1640-1900
|
LEVINE
and GRIFFITH took off to patrol Kavieng - negative. |
1825-1625 |
MACK
and MARSHALL returned from Green Island. |
|
|
Jun.
4 |
|
00456-0920
|
CHARLTON
and GAGE took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. First bomb was
dropped on Doi Island and the second on Young Plantation but
the explosions were unobserved Remainder of flight was negative. |
0730-0810 |
BEKINS,
leading McCALL, PERINO, and KRIEGER took off to escort a B-26
to the field from Green Island but flight was brought back
early. |
0915-1110
|
BEKINS
again took off leading the division to escort B-26 and succeeded
this time. |
|
|
Jun.
5 |
|
0650-0930
|
DOWNS
and VAUGHN took off on negative patrol of Kavieng. |
0820-1130
|
JOHNSTON
and DRIFTMIER took off on negative patrol of Kavieng. Both
bombs missed their target by a great distance. |
1015-0815 |
BEKINS'
division landed at Emirau after their negative flight up the
New Ireland Coast from Green Island. . |
1235-1415 |
LANGLEY
and GILLESPIE took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Bombs were
dropped on Panapai, but caused no observed damage. |
1630-1750
|
Y0RK
and BROWN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Frontal weather
caused them to return early with bombs |
|
|
Jun.
6 |
|
0640-0920
|
WALDEN
and DINGFELTER took off to patrol New Hanover and New Ireland,
bombing targets of opportunity with delayed bombs. They dropped
bombs with no observed damage. Upon return from flight they
observed oil slick, which they reported but it proved negative. |
0835-1130
|
HARKINS
and BROCKS took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. No damage
observed from bombing and rest of patrol was negative. |
1225-1255
|
BARNARD,
leading MATNEY, HUNTER, and FLICKINGER, was scrambled in two
and one half minutes over Emirau and after three vectors and
climbing to 10,000 feet they contacted the Bogey, a silver
B-24. |
1230-1535 |
JOHNSON
and CHARLTON took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Bombs were
dropped on Lakurafange Plantation but damage was unobserved
and rest of flight was negative. |
1500-1630 |
A four-plane
division took off to practice tactics. |
1635-1900
|
BEKINS
and LYNCH took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. One bomb was
jettisoned while the second hit near the concentrations of
houses at the southern end of Lakurafange Plantation. Remainder
of flight was negative. |
|
|
Jun.
7 |
|
1640-1800
|
MATTINGLY
and DUGAN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng, They dropped
bombs on Lakurafange Plantation with unobserved damage, rest
of flight negative. All other scheduled patrols were cannoned
because of adverse weather conditions. |
|
|
Jun.
8 |
|
0740-0845
|
GRIFFITH
and HANSON took off on a weather flight of New Ireland area.
Report stated foul weather and closing in over Kavieng and
New Hanover. |
1240-1525
|
BEKINS
and LYNCH took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. They bombed
buildings at Lakurafange Plantation. Remainder of patrol negative. |
1430-1720 |
JOHNSTON
and McIVER took off to cover two TBFs on a shipping reconnaissance
of New Ireland. They returned without bombing or strafing
because of weather conditions which were foul. |
|
|
Jun.
9 |
|
0640-0840
|
JOHNSTON and McIVER took off to patrol New Ireland and New
Hanover, Adverse weather made for a negative flight. |
0825.1005 |
LEVINE and GRIFFITH took off on Kavieng Patrol. Because
of standby alert hey carried belly tanks instead of bombs.
Patrol was negative except for noticing trucks working on
Kavieng runway.
|
|
|
Jun.
10 |
|
0630-0835
|
WALDEN
and DRIFTMIER took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. The two
bombs were dropped on Kavieng but results unobserved. The
patrol was negative. |
0740-1030
|
DRIFTMIER
and LIND took off to escort Dumbo to the Rabaul area, They
had proceeded down the New Ireland coast to Kalili Bay when
they were informed that the strike had found bad weather over
the target, Jettisoned bombs and was returning to base. |
0830-1120 |
JOHNSON
and CHARLTON took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. One bomb
hit in the North Cape area and the other was not observed
to explode. The reminder of the flight was negative. |
1230-1520
|
FARR
and FLICKINGER took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. The bombing
being done from the restricted 10,000 foot altitude was of
doubtful value as neither explosions were observed, the patrol
landed after testing oxygen equipment at 28,000 feet. |
1350-1520
|
HUNTER
and MATNEY took off to cover two TBFs on shipping reconnaissance
of New Ireland. The weather returned the flight with no bombing
or strafing done. |
1545-1905
|
MARSHALL
and BROOKS took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. During the
flight thirty or forty barges were seen on the east side of
Masalik Island but the policy of not risking plane or pilot
over this particular enemy territory refrained them from action.
They missed target of Kavieng runway. |
|
|
Jun.
11 |
|
0640-0910 |
MATTINGLY
and DRIFTMIER took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng, They observed
four destroyers shelling the tank base in Fangelawa Bay, they
were refused permission to strafe the area. Their bombs were
dropped over Kavieng, one landing in Kavieng’s Chinatown,
the second was not observed. |
0765-1200
|
DOWNS
and PERU took off to escort Dumbo to Rabaul area. They went
down the south coast of New Ireland and circled Duke of York
Island, but were not called upon for rescue work. |
0830-1140 |
SPURLOCK
and HEILMAN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. They observed
the destroyers leaving New Ireland and again the three, thirty
to forty foot barges were seen at Nusalik Island but were
not strafed. They dropped their bombs in Kavieng runway where
one landed in the middle and the other in a revetment. |
1225-1520 |
TEETER
and LANGLEY took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. They returned
from a negative patrol after two good bomb hits on Kavieng
Town. |
1400-1615
|
YORK
and GILLESPIE took off to cover two TBFs on a truck reconnaissance
of New Ireland. The fighters observed one truck but radio
contact could not be made. Radio communication between the
fighters and bombers was not possible to everyone during tour.
Sometimes contact could be made by flying close but flights
usually vent without radio contact. |
1630-1900
|
JOHNSTON
and HANSEN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. The patrol
was negative and the two bombs were dropped on Kavieng airfield
where one landed just off the north end, the second landed
fifty yards south of runway. A message was relayed from the
PT boats that were working around Djaul Island. |
|
|
Jun.
12 |
|
0640-0920 |
BARNARD
and FLICKINGER took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Ho visual
contact with the PT boats but message received saying every
thing working according to schedule with scouting parties
ashore. Their bombs were dropped at Kavieng but no visual
damage was done. |
0640-1120
|
HUNTER
and MATNEY took off to cover two TBFs on a shipping reconnaissance
of New Ireland. Rain squalls hampered visibility and the entire
flight was negative. |
1045-1135
|
McIVER
and HANSEN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng; McIVER had
hydraulic trouble after taking off so HANSEN circled the field
while he landed to change planes. After downing the second
plane, the tower called HANSEN in and cancelled the flight. |
1440-1515
|
HARKINS
took off LIND had a taxiing accident; LIND changed planes
before he could take off. |
1650-1800
|
PERINO
and KRIEGER took off to patro1 New Hanover and New Ireland
and to bomb Kavieng. They dropped their bombs through heavy
clouds over Kavieng but could not observe the results. KRIEGER,
luckily, took a wave off on landing, one wheel failed to come
down. The second try was successful. |
|
|
Jun.
13 |
|
1640-1830
|
DUGAN
and HEILMAN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. This first
patrol, late in a day of bad weather, caught the Japs by surprise
for as the flight passed over Kavieng at 14,000 feet they
saw a plane take off the runway. Dropping to 10,000 feet for
a better look they recognized it to be a Zeke. Fearing an
AA trap they slowly went to 1,500 feet while watching the
Zeke circle Kavieng. Starting overhead runs, they drove the
Zeke towards the water, which was HEILMAN's side. Coming in
at 300 knots he opened fire at 1,000 yards. Bullets racked
the Zeke from engine to tail, when reaching just forward of
the cockpit, smoke started pouring from the Zeke. DUGAN in
behind saw the Zeke crash in flames 300 yards off shore north
of Panapai runway. The Zeke was a brownish gray color, fairly
light or beached out looking, with dark red meat balls on
top of both wings. All six fifty-caliber guns operated perfectly
during the two bursts fired by HEILMAN, during which he expended
430 rounds of ammunition. DUGAN did not fire his guns. |
|
|
Jun.
14 |
|
0630-0930 |
HUNTER
and MATNEY took off to patrol Kavieng. They observed the runway
at Kavieng, looked smoothly rolled and in good condition from
10,000 feet, and saw seven aircraft in revetments but aerial
photos showed planes unusable. Patrol was negative |
0930-1145
|
DINGFELTER
and KRIEGER took off to cover two TBFs on a shipping reconnaissance
of New Hanover and New Ireland. Flight was negative with no
bombing or strafing observed by the fighters. |
1045-1330 |
LYNCH
and FITZGERALD took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Their
bombs were dropped, without observed damage, over Kavieng
airfield and the entire flight was negative. |
1430-1720
|
CHARLTON
and GAGE took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. One bomb was
not observed to explode but the other hit on the runway close
to a revetment in which was a very shiny Zeke, rest of patrol
was negative. |
|
|
Jun.
15 |
|
1700-1900
|
FOOTE
and BROOKS took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Bombing accuracy
from 10,000 feet seemed to be improving although some pilots
have been undoubtedly pulling out of their dives a little
lower than that. These bombs were direct hits on the strip
and In Kavieng Town. Specific damage could not be estimated.
|
|
|
Jun.
16 |
|
0635-0840 |
LEVINE
and BROWN took off to patrol New Hanover, New Ireland and
bomb Kavieng. Bogey was reported orbiting over Panapai so
they proceeded there as fast as possible but a through search
of the area revealed nothing. Bombs were dropped on Fangelawa
Plantation and both hit near large red structure, which looked
like a church. |
0935-1215
|
MATNEY
and FLICKINGR took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. Negative
patrol and bombs exploded over Kavieng runway but ware not
observed.
This
flight secured operations for the squadron in preparation
to leave for the rear area on 17 June 1944, having been
relieved by Marine Fighting Squadron 215. |
|
|
Jun.
17 |
|
|
The
entire flight echelon including the flight surgeon, intelligence
officer, and flight clerk, departed via "SCAT" for
Espiritu Santo at 0800 this morning. |
|
|
Jun.
18 |
|
|
Arrived
Espiritu Santo and reported to Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN.
The entire squadron transferred from Marine Aircraft, South
Pacific, to First Marine Aircraft Wing. (Auth. MarAirSoPac
Special order number 142-1044, dated 5 June, 1944.) |
|
|
Jun.
19 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
20 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
21 |
|
|
The
following officers received and accepted appointment to First
Lieutenant dated 1 April, 1944, with rank from 31 March, 1944:
CHARLTON, Douglas W.
DRIFTMIER, John F.
HANSEN, Dale W.
KRIEGER, Frederick W. |
|
|
Jun.
22 |
|
|
Although
the following officers had accepted their promotion at Emirau
through Marine Air Aircraft Group TWELVE, they re-accepted
through Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN due to a technicality.
Promoted to Captain for temporary service dated 5 May, 1944,
with rank from 30 April, 1944:
BARNARD, Harold Jr.
HARKINS, Robert W. |
|
|
Jun.
23 |
|
|
SPURLOCK,
CHARLTON, DINGFELTER, DRIFTMIER, GILLESPIE, HANSEN, KRIEGER,
LANGLEY, MATNEY, BROOKS, BROWN, DUGAN, FLICKINGER, GRIFFITH,
LIND, HEILMAN, LYNCH, MARSHALL, McCALL, McIVER, PERU, VAUGHN,
POTICHA, SCHAEFER, and GAGE departed for Sydney via “NATS”,
this date. |
|
|
Jun.
24 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
25 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
26 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
27 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
28 |
|
|
The
following new pilots joined the squadron this date from
Headquarters Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN
1st Lt ANDERSON, Robert F. (018650) USMCR
1st Lt BLAINE, Elmer L. Jr. (019151) USMCR
1st Lt CRAPO, William, M. (020432) USMCR
1st Lt REEDER, Douglas E. (021174) USMCR
2ndLt BARNETT, Robert V. (025714) USMCR
2ndLt BARTON, Wilson G. (030616) USMCR
2ndLt FRANK, Lewis C. (027934) USMCR
2ndLt ZANGER, Moszek. (025889) USMCR
The
following officers came to this squadron form Marine Fighting
Squadron 114:
1stLt CHATHAM, Rufus M. (020631) USMCR
1stLt MARKER, Alan D. (020824) USMCR |
|
|
Jun.
29 |
|
|
No activity. |
|
|
Jun.
30 |
|
| |
No activity. |
| |
|
SUMMARY
|
| |
| A. |
Personnel |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As
of 1 June, 1944: |
|
|
|
|
|
46
Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
236
Enlisted |
|
|
|
(2) |
Lost:
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
No
personnel on M. I. A. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| B. |
Aircraft |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As
of 1 May, 1944: |
|
|
|
|
|
22
Corsairs assigned |
|
|
(2) |
No
planes lost - Operational
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
No
planes lost - Combat |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| C. |
Operations |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Total
hours flown: |
|
|
|
|
|
380.5 |
|
|
| |
(2) |
Total
number of individual flights:
|
|
|
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
(3) |
Total
number of individual flights on Combat Missions |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
| |
(4) |
Total number of individual flights where enemy opposition
was encountered: |
| |
|
|
2 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| D. |
Enemy
planes destroyed to date |
|
|
|
(1) |
Squadron
total: |
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
| |
(2) |
Total
for each pilot now in squadron:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| E. |
Enemy
aircraft destroyed this month: |
|
|
|
(1) |
One |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| F.
|
Enemy
shipping: |
|
|
| |
(1) |
None
destroyed. |
|
|
| |
(2)
|
None
Damaged: |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
