Sat., Oct. 16, 1943—We move early in the morning for Foggia. I’m driving Capt. Young up in the Ops. jeep.
Sun., Oct. 17, 1943—Drove Capt. Young to our new base at Vicenzo (Foggia satellite). Roads awfully slippery & lots of convoys to pass, but I made it in five hours (160 miles).
Mon., Oct. 18, 1943—Sqdn. ran mission today for first time in quite awhile. They got a lot of flak . . . We set up new Ops. today.
Tues., Oct. 19, 1943—Two missions for Sqdn. today . . . I’m busy enough now that I feel as if I’m earning my money again.
Wed., Oct. 20, 1943—One mission for Sqdn . . . P-40 crashed & burned killing the pilot as he tried to land just at dark tonight on our field.
Thurs., Oct. 21, 1943—Ten of our planes were hit by flak over Cassino. Capt. Gualtiere had to crash-land on our field & Abie was killed. We had to watch the whole thing & couldn’t do anything.
| 10-21-43 The “”If’s” of War On the mission today Captain Gualtiere’s plane was shot up by flak, putting his hydraulic system out of commission. When he came in for the landing, he found that his nose wheel wouldn’t lock; so he circled again, trying to force the wheel to lock by diving and throwing it forward. Abie [Carroll Abrahamson] was in the nose, and he decided he’d rather risk a crash-landing than to bail out. So Capt. Gualtiere brought the plane in to try to land it successfully. As soon as he touched ground, he eased the plane back on the tail and let it skid in order to protect Abie. Everything was going fine until the left landing gear folded, causing the plane to crash into a parked plane. Abie was instantly killed. The other three got out with minor cuts and bruises. The little “if’s” of this war are what make it so hard to take sometimes. “If” that landing gear hadn’t folded; “if” that plane hadn’t been parked at just that spot; “if” Abie could have gotten in only three more missions, he would have been automatically grounded for having 50 missions. I guess that’s just war or fate or something, but it’s pretty hard to comprehend. Abie plastered the target on his last bomb run. |
Fri., 0ct. 22, 1943—Lt. Simmons of 86th, who was shot down over Kasserine Pass in Feb. & taken prisoner, escaped and got back to the Group today. He walked all the way from Rome through enemy lines.
Sat., Oct. 23, 1943—Bombing near here last night . . . One mission for 97th today . . . Heard bombing near here this evening.
Sun., Oct. 24, 1943—No operations today. Worked hard all day. Got new field jacket this evening. It’s getting pretty cool in the evenings.
Note for Friday’s entry: Lt. Block had to belly in Friday after his hydraulic system was shot out by flak. (This probably refers to Thursday’s mission, but the diary entry said Friday.)
Mon., 0ct. 25, 1943—Jr. was over today. Mail today. One mission for Sqdn. Put stove up in our tent this evening. Thigpen in kitchen cooked up our turkey tonight. (See note below Oct. 30 entry.)
Tues., Oct. 26, 1943—No ops. today. Carlo & some of the others of us took a jeep, went into a little town near here (Troy, I think), & bought some chickens. (The town was Troia.)
Wed., Oct. 27, 1943—No ops. today. Killed a chicken, fried and ate part of it.
Thurs., Oct. 28, 1943—Fried & ate more chicken tonight. Lts. Smith & Dowling were in to help eat it.
Fri., Oct. 29, 1943—Rain most of the afternoon. Cold weather is coming on. One mission today for Sqdn.
Sat., Oct. 30, 1943—Got flooring at Foggia Main this morning & put a floor in our tents. It’s really nice now.
Note completing Monday’s entry above: Capt. Young, Lt. Dowling, Lt. Block, & F/O Gaskins came in and helped us eat it. It was darned good.
Sun., Oct. 31, 1943—”Georgia,” Billy Tell, “Shorty,” Ernst, Hoaglund, & Youmans left for home this morning because they’ve completed their combat tour.
Mon., Nov. 1, 1943—On mission today Lt. Bruce’s plane blew up over target. Two men (Albers & Manzie) bailed out, but only one chute opened. Flak either exploded in a wing tank or hit the fuse of a bomb.
| On the mission today there wasn’t much flak near the 97th formation, but one of those freak disasters happened anyway. Either an ack-ack shell exploded in a wing tank or a piece of flak hit a fuse on a bomb before it cleared the plane; but, whatever the reason, Lt. Bruce’s plane exploded in mid-air and went into a spin. Two people tried to bail out, but only one chute opened; the other trailed out behind without opening. The wing had folded over the cockpit, so Lt. Bruce could hardly have bailed out. Either Albers or Manzie probably landed safely and became a prisoner of war—the other fell to his death trailing a useless parachute. |
Lt. Bruce and Sgt. Manzie were killed.
Sgt. Albers was burned but was able to bail out safely and return to us five days later.“
| Another member of the 47th Bomb Group, Ted Kuhlman, read Dad’s Diary on the way back home from the 1987 Long Beach reunion while his wife drove the car. Ted shortly afterward wrote Dad regarding the above item and one other item (from April 25, 1942). Dad included Ted’s information regarding both items in the 1988 Addendum to the Diary. Here is this one. —DMT |
| Donald J. Tolle, 1988: Concerning Lt. William Bruce, Ted told me that after returning to the States he received a call one day from Bruce’s mother asking if he would be willing to meet with her husband and her to tell what he knew about their son’s death. Ted had been on that same mission and knew the details of the tragedy but found it very difficult to tell them enough without telling them too much. Knowing him, I am sure that he handled that task as well as humanly possible, although he called it “a heart-rending affair.” (I do hope that Ted doesn’t mind my putting these things here for distribution, as I didn’t ask his permission. But he wrote me such a fine letter that I wanted to share a little with you.) |
Tues., Nov. 2, 1943—Two missions for Sqdn. today. Total sorties for Sqdn. to date: 1171; total missions: 142.
Wed., Nov. 3, 1943—Two missions today for Sqdn.
Thurs., Nov. 4, 1943—Winter is here. It’s getting colder every night.
Fri., Nov. 5, 1943—Albers came back today after bailing out in enemy territory when Lt. Bruce’s plane exploded on Monday. He was burned in the face but otherwise is O.K.
| Correction: Nov. 5, 1943 Albers came in this evening after having landed safely behind enemy lines. His face was burned painfully but not seriously. He’ll be O.K. The other two were definitely killed. |
Sat., Nov. 6, 1943—A bomb fell near Foggia last night, but I think a British plane accidentally dropped it.
Sun., Nov. 7, 1943—I nearly froze last night. We’re going to board up the sides of the tent to keep the cold air out.
Mon., Nov. 8, 1943—Rain & hail today. Got new typewriter for Ops. Took bath by fire tonight. May go to town tomorrow with Dave [Frieze].
Tues., Nov. 9, 1943—Dave & I went to Cerignola today on the pass truck. A very cold ride. Bought a couple of chairs (90c each) & some scarves. Had spaghetti & roast beef for dinner.
Wed., Nov. 10, 1943—We built sides out of wood and frag tins in our tent today to help keep out the cold air. We’ve been hearing a lot of artillery fire these days (and nights).
L-R — Kneeling: (?); Routhier.
Unknown date and place.
Thurs., Nov. 11, 1943—One Sqdn. mission today. Armistice Day this year is just like any other day of the year—except that the guns we hear are real.
Fri., Nov. 12, 1943—Capt. Gualtiere, Hart, Thurman, & Tuttle left for home . . . Part of Manzie’s chute with blood on it was brought in today. He’s definitely dead.
Sat., Nov. 13, 1943—Collins finally got back from hospital today. Another plane came in with one feathered prop today but made it O.K. An 84th plane bellied in after Friday’s mission. One engine was feathered, but they made it all right.
Sun., Nov. 14, 1943—Terrific wind has been blowing for a couple of days. It’s almost as bad as the African Sirocco.
Mon., Nov. 15, 1943—Went to SAF stage show in Foggia this afternoon. It was very good. Windy, rainy ride back in open truck. Wind ripped our tent this evening.
Tues., Nov. 16, 1943—Rain and wind.
Wed., Nov. 17, 1943—Going to Naples on 3-day pass tomorrow morning.
Thurs., Nov. 18, 1943—Left for Naples on pass truck at 7:00; got there at 1200. Frieze, Coldren, & I staying at Washington Boarding House.
Fri., Nov. 19, 1943—Clear day today (mostly). The town is O.K., but I dislike the people very much. Every hotel and private home seems to offer women’s bodies as their chief attraction.
Sat., Nov. 20, 1943—Stayed at a different hotel tonight. Prices are high everywhere, and the people are a thieving, lying bunch. (Later note: I was too harsh; I later learned to like many of them.)
Sun. Nov. 21, 1943—We’re all ready to go back, & none of us care to see Naples again. Left at 1230; got to camp at 1730.
Mon., Nov. 22, 1943—Stood down today. Went into Foggia to stage show. Package from home today.
Tues., Nov. 23, 1943—Rain & sloppy mud have stopped operations in Italy.
Wed., Nov. 24, 1943—97th mistakenly bombed 8th Army troops today. I feel sorry for today’s lead bombardier; he really felt terrible about that. Just one of the fortunes of war.
| Donald J. Tolle, 1988: “Axis Sally” picked up on this unhappy incident and made some propaganda hay out of it while twitting the 47th. Sometime before that Christmas she said in one of her radio broadcasts something to this effect: “The other bases around Foggia can expect German bombing raids for Christmas. But our old friends in the 47th needn’t worry—we have too much in common: We both bomb the British!” |
Thurs., Nov. 25, 1943—Thanksgiving Day. One mission for Sqdn. Lovely dinner of turkey, cranberry sauce, & all the “fixings.”
Fri., Nov. 26, 1943—Rumor today of big meeting sometime soon in Cairo of Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill, & German leaders. I’m on guard tonight from 0200 to 0600.
Sat., Nov. 27, 1943—Two missions for Sqdn. today. I was sick this afternoon. Got letter from Kendall. Worked on mission records tonight.
Sun., Nov. 28, 1943—Two missions for Sqdn. today.
Mon., Nov. 29, 1943—Chills and fever today. Capt. McRae is sending me to a hospital in Naples tomorrow.
Tues., Nov. 30, 1943—Started for Naples in ambulance but, due to an accident on road, I wound up in hospital at Caserta.
Wed., Dec. 1, 1943—This is 36th Gen. Hosp. Some pretty nurses here. Spam for dinner but had a good supper.
| December 1, 1943 36th General Hospital Caserta, Italy Capt. McRae sent me to the hospital yesterday morning with malaria. I started out on a litter in our ambulance because I was pretty weak. Lt. Moore was on the other litter, and two other lieutenants and two other enlisted men were on the bench. On the way to Naples there was an accident right in front of us due to the wet road. A large British truck hauling a cannon skidded, and the front end of the truck ran over the edge of a high cliff. One of the Canadian soldiers, thinking it was going on over, jumped and fractured his skull on the road. There was no first aid equipment in our ambulance, but we put the boy in on my stretcher and drove into the next town looking for a hospital. We finally found an Italian doctor who started working on the Canadian. Then the Canadian Medical Officer came along and did his bit. They put the injured boy back in our ambulance (he had never regained consciousness), and the M.O. got in too. So Dillon and I had to ride in the Canadian medical truck. They were supposed to take us on in to Naples to the hospital where our ambulance had gone, but it seemed that that wasn’t the way things were going to work out. The road was terribly rough, and it was pretty cool riding in the truck. I had another malarial chill; so they covered me up with blankets on the litter, and I got all right (except that the bumps nearly knocked me out of the thing every few feet). Finally we stopped at an American First Aid Station, and they turned us over to them. We were then taken to this hospital at Caserta. Dillon and I were put in different wards because he has yellow jaundice and I have malaria. Dillon’s field bag (containing everything he brought with him) and my overcoat went on with our ambulance. So everything is just lovely; nobody knows where we are, and we can’t get in touch with anybody. I wanna go home!!! |
Thurs., Dec. 2, 1943—The meals have been good so far. I’m feeling fine except that I’ve got fever blisters on my mouth.
Fri., Dec. 3, 1943—Can take bath tomorrow. Start walking downstairs to meals tonight. Have had no pills since I’ve been here.
Sat., Dec. 4, 1943—Walked over to lab. for blood smear. Took bath. Restless. Very little to read.
Sun., Dec. 5, 1943—Ham for dinner. Nurse just told me I’ll be released soon.
| 12-6-43 Ode to a Nurse Sweet Angel of Mercy and soft tenderness, Spreading sunshine with smiles that are like a caress, You’re really a wonderful institution; But someone should write in the Constitution A law that would make it a major infraction To wear dresses that drive patients like me to distraction! |
Mon., Dec. 6, 1943—Still in hospital sweating out discharge. Took another shower this morning. Fried chicken for supper.
Tues., Dec. 7, 1943—Beef for supper tonight. I think I’m leaving tomorrow—I hope.
| 36th General Hospital Caserta, Italy 12/7/1943 Ward SE 2 When Nurse Dunham walks by, They turn every eye, The boys in Ward SE 2; For her walk is the kind That puts them in mind Of each one’s own Sally and Sue. Now it’s really a shame, But still it’s life’s game (At least in Ward SE 2) That nurses can’t mingle With us whose nerves tingle For love, here in Ward SE 2. —————————— The Patient in Cot Sixty-one I’m the patient in Cot Sixty-one. Up to now I’ve had my share of fun. But I sit here and huddle Small fish in big puddle, No longer Dame Fortune’s own son. I’ve lost all distinction of name; To doctor and nurse I’m the same As a serial number, Awake or in slumber I’m nothing in this little game. But to me the worst of this curse Is this: To the pretty night nurse I have no identity, I’m just a nonentity. Could anything be any worse? |
Wed., Dec. 8, 1943—Discharged from 36th Gen. Hosp. & sent by truck to 6th Personnel Center outside of Naples. Sleeping (?) in pup tent on wet ground. Air raid alert tonight.
Thurs., Dec. 9, 1943—I’m in “D” Co. of 29th Replacement Battalion here. My chances of getting out soon seem very slim. It’s very cold in this little valley.
Fri., Dec. 10, 1943—Several thousand new guys have come in, & this place is a long way over-crowded. It would make a lovely bombing or strafing target.
Sat., Dec. 11, 1943—Green from the 97th came in last night. [Presumably not Colonel Green, pictured below.] We may get to leave soon. Heavy rain tonight. I got mixed up with a “queer” & almost had to hit him.
Note relating to Thursday, Dec. 9: Sat down next to a kid from Lakeland Thursday night at a show. His name is John Harrison . . . This place here used to be a big race track.
Sun., Dec. 12, 1943—Terrific rain & hail storms today. The fellow I was sharing a pup tent with was moved out last night & of course took his shelter-half with him. There’s nothing here but mud.
Mon., Dec. 13, 1943—Moving out tomorrow by plane for Foggia (I hope). I’ll be very happy to leave this place.
Tues., Dec. 14, 1943—Ride on C-47 is cancelled till tomorrow. Green & I spending night at Albergo Centrale in Naples.
Wed., Dec. 15, 1943—Caught C-47 from Naples to Foggia & finally arrived once again at the 97th Sq. area. It’s good to be back.
Thurs., Dec. 16, 1943—Had lots of mail & some packages awaiting me when I got back.
Fri., Dec. 17, 1943—Had to go to bed this afternoon because I suddenly got awfully weak.
Sat., Dec. 18, 1943—Went to Foggia to picture show, Bob Hope in “They’ve Got Me Covered.” I got weak again and went to bed as soon as I got back.
Sun., Dec. 19, 1943—Terrific malarial chill this morning. Capt. McRae is going to keep me here this time, thank Goodness!
Mon., Dec. 20, 1943—I’m afraid I’m getting yellow jaundice on top of my malaria. I’m about the weakest I’ve ever been.
Tues., Dec. 21, 1943—Sat up and read awhile today but had to go back to bed. Mail from Mary Alice.
Wed., Dec. 22, 1943—Sat up quite awhile today & read. Hope to get up tomorrow. Took a bath in here inside the tent tonight.
Thurs., Dec. 23, 1943—Got up and went back to work today. Feeling pretty good but am still a little wobbly.
Fri., Dec. 24, 1943—Christmas Eve. Spent evening with Junior. Started taking quinine again. Have to do it for 8 days.
Sat., Dec. 25, 1943—Xmas Day. Good turkey dinner. Fred Bevis came over & we visited. We went over to Photo trailer & saw a movie, “Tennessee Johnson.” Chester gave Mac & me each a coca-cola tonight. But wonderful!
Sun., Dec. 26, 1943—Rain & mud & cold. On guard tonight.
Mon., Dec. 27, 1943—Cold wind & rain. Planes haven’t been able to take off for several days because of mud. I’ve been doing a lot of reading.
Tues., Dec. 28, 1943—Sqdn. ran a mission today for first time in several days. There’s been too much mud.
Wed., Dec. 29, 1943—Went to Foggia to picture show this afternoon. Got some lovely letters from Mary Alice this evening.
Thurs., Dec. 30, 1943—Sqdn. mission today. Osendott of Transportation was killed last night on a motorcycle. He was a quiet, nice boy. It’s too bad.
Fri., Dec. 31, 1943—Sqdn. mission was a dry run today—clouds too thick over target. New Year’s Eve; lots of drunks firing guns at midnight tonight.
Sat., Jan. 1, 1944—Rain & mud. New Year’s Day.
Sun., Jan. 2, 1944—Lousy weather. Rain & mud every day.
Mon., Jan. 3, 1944—Rain & mud. Lousy, nasty weather. Kissed Mary Alice goodbye two years ago before joining Army.
Tues., Jan. 4, 1944—One mission for Sqdn. today. Cold wind. Went over to Photo trailer to see a picture show this afternoon.
Wed., Jan. 5, 1944—Rain & mud & terribly cold wind. 16 months overseas today. Moving up near Vesuvius soon. Taught last day of school 2 years ago today.
Thurs., Jan. 6, 1944—Two years in Army today. Several flurries of snow today. Cold wind.
Fri., Jan. 7, 1944—Nicer weather today, but it’s cold.
Sat., Jan. 8, 1944—Mud is drying up somewhat, but it stays cold all the time. Sqdn. ran mission today. Lots of snow on surrounding mountains now. Ice on ground every morning.
Sun., Jan. 9, 1944—Burns Yates & Jansen Davenport from Lakeland came over with Jr. this evening.
Mon., Jan. 10, 1944—(No diary entry this date.)
Tues., Jan. 11, 1944—(No diary entry this date.)
Wed., Jan. 12, 1944—We’re moving tomorrow to our new base by Mt. Vesuvius.