TRANSCRIPT OF THE 1943 DIARY OF LT. BURKE F. ALLEN, PILOT WITH THE 87^TH FIGHTER SQUADRON OF THE 79^TH FIGHTER GROUP (transcription by Mark Joyce; items italicized are his additions and/or corrections)

Entry 1, Jan. 16 Sat

We left Miami 36^th street airport in a swell C-54 at 8:30. We were soon out to sea but the last light on shore was visible for a long time so as to give us a long last look at the states. The moon is out merrily(?) and with a few wispy clouds make a beautiful sight. Landed at Borinquen Field Purto(sic) Rico about midnight for gas. The field was expecting a crash landing so were out in number.

Entry 2, Jan. 17 Sun

Landed at Georgetown British Guinia (Guyana) about 7:30 A.M. Very hot and while the crew was making repairs on the ship it started to rain, and what a rain, rather a torrent and very hot so it was rather uncomfortable so we were glad to take off. Barracks at the field were set upon poles some ten feet above ground to keep away from moisture. Arrived in Natal Brazil about 1700, further repairs were necessary so we layed(sic) over for the night. Three Air Transportations officers for tent mates.

Entry 3, Jan. 18 Mon

Visited Natal, not much of a place, squalid with very nauciating(sic) odor. Bought a pair of hand made boots for 900 millraes(?) ($4.50) size 41. The town was not too large so we visited the market place, the tops for filth(?) and also many shops and the water front. How people can live in such filth is beyond me. Bulas time(?) goes on I see that they are not the only ones who live like that. The language is of course new but I did pick up no dinero (no money). Small kids run around with nickels dimes and quarters and as the pay scale is about 35 (cents) per day they are really rich. They bring around anything that we might buy, small monkeys, canaries, knives and leather work. That night as we took off we found that Graves one of the passengers had visited the Wonder Bar so Major Caroll read us a “confidential” letter on sex hygiene.

Entry 4, Jan. 19 Tue

Broke through the overcast and hit Assention (Ascension) Island about 7:30 G.C.T. (3:30 EWT). The field cut out of coral rock is pretty good, nice climate but not much in the way of life. Back up into the overcast and arrived in Accra about 15:00. Not a bad spot. Saw a shot “Youth Takes a Fling” in an outdoor movie with Ack-Ack (anti-aircraft) practice overhead. Rooming with a captain bound for states and a couple French men.

Entry 5, Jan. 20 Wed

Went shopping on the post with Major McKellar, a typical Scotchman(sic) in his shorts, not a bad post. Spent most of the day teaching the French man American slang. This fellow has escaped occupied France in a plane and was a pilot trying to get in the American Army. The other fellow was a radio operator. illegible going orders this evening.

Entry 6, Jan. 21 Thur

The boy came about 4:30 and we finally got off at 8:00. Too much fog to get a look at Africa but we can think and guess what it might be. The passenger list has changed somewhat, Col. Martin is still along. The life has left with the old bunch, Major McKellar and Major Caroll have been left behind. Same crew on ship as we had to Natal. Weather cleared some but still nothing to see but woods. Borrowed Munroe’s (85^th FS pilot Charles D. Munroe?) jacket and slept on some cargo in the middle of the ship. Arrived at Maiduguri, Nigeria about 13:00. Rented horses and looked over the town, and down by the native Bedouin(?). We didn’t actually enter town but some fellows who did said they had some real schools, Eng. geography & geometry to 12 year olds. Soon was very tired of horses especially in one spot so we returned to camp and visited the market set up there. A lot of junk for which there were the usual buyers. Ran into Wells (Welk?) from 42-I at Decatur, we saw a movie, news reel but interesting. Took off about 21:30, the moon out murky so back to the boxes for some sleep.

Entry 7, Jan. 22 Fri

Arrived in Kartoum (Khartoum) Anglo Egyptian Sudan about 4:30, just at sunrise. The field was darned hard to see, just cement blocks at the runway ends. Our usual luck and engine trouble so we didn’t get off again. Took a walk down to see the Nile, the water is low now but shows where it has been plenty high at times. Got beds on a roof of a very picturesque spot, with a large patio in the middle.

Entry 8, Jan. 23 Sat

Up at 3:30 again, was a pretty rough night, wind whistling by. 5 of us left on a DC-3, the old ship wouldn’t make it. Colonel still along. By sun up we… (entry ends here; several entries/pages missing and don’t resume until partway in Feb. 3 Wed entry).

Entry 19, Feb. 3 Wed

…swimming. The medics gave me aspirin to gargle with. Visited McKay (86^th FS pilot Donald W. McKay?) again this evening.

Entry 20, Feb. 4 Thur

Warm today, throat still sore went to Doc 3 times read & wrote Marge.

Entry 21, Feb. 5 Fri

Went to NAAF1 at Tobruk, visited old Jerry field with plenty of wrecked stuff. Stopped at an English officer shop & got a bed roll & sleeping bag. Visited the town, what a mess, thoroughly bombed out, but by the looks there wasn’t much to start with. Found an ammo dump & got some Luger ammo. Shot the bull with the Ack-Ack guns.

Entry 22, Feb. 6 Sat

A bit cooler and cloudy, my sleeping arrangement was too warm for good sleeping. Throat still sore. Wrote Libby, Bob and Marianna. Borrowed a Jerry (German) pistol & did some shooting with Bob Kennedy. APO changed today.

Entry 23, Feb. 7 Sun

It was party night on pale passion, a wild was had by all the fellows got Johnson (Raymond P. Johnson?)-Saggus (George M. Saggus) & Fogle (Herbert W. Fogle) up and really got them mad a lot of shooting illegible but no one hurt. Wrote Libby(?) & mom. McCarty (86^th FS Thomas H. McCarty?), Mckay, illegible and I went to visit illegible caves. Took a wog bath in a steel helmet, well it was hardly a bath but feel a bit clean. Throat a bit better.

Entry 24, Feb. 8 Mon

Throat nearly well, washed & wrote Timmy (Jimmy?) borrowed a pistol & did some more shooting. I still have plenty of ammo but still no gun, would like to get a Luger.

Entry 25, Feb. 9 Tue

Throat OK, wandered around the rocky waste of camp today, got packed to move tomorrow, got my baggage packed, visited McKay tonight.

Entry 26, Feb. 10 Wed

Up early and almost got on the road but Highfield (Harlan E. Highfield), Lee (George T. Lee), & Tyson (Vernon Tyson) had trouble so was a bit delayed. Country on this leg of journey looks much better, more vegetation & such. A Big pass near Derna but very beautiful, grass & shrubs for a change. Stopped at site illegible Cyrene for the night. Had fresh eggs this evening.

Entry 27, Feb. 11 Thur

Windy & cooler today. Covered a lot of country, another steep pass but nearly as beautiful. Country looks a lot like the Rocky Mountains, scrub pine, rugged hills and a lot of rocks. Just got set up for the night outside Benghazi and it rained cats & dogs for quite a while. Had some fresh tomatoes. “George,” Col. Grogans’s (Charles E. Grogan) dog got loose & we had to hunt him down, found him in a Libyan(?) camp across the road.

Entry 28, Feb. 28 Fri

Had to sweat out orders so we were late getting started. Roads are getting rougher and not so pretty as the past few days. Set up camp in a flower patch outside Aggedabier(?). The usual(?) moisture necessary for movement of the 87^th was present.

Entry 29, Feb. 13 Sat

Some fellow woke us up this morning running around yelling “Get up god damn it” over & over. Covered quite a bit of country today, passed under Mussolini’s famous(?) marble arch, a swell arch out in the middle of nowhere. Set up camp nearby. George was full of life today.

Entry 30, Feb. 14 Sun

The usual day of travel with nothing much happening until we had set up camp for the evening south of Bue Rah(?). Miners(?) (Kenneth H. Miners?), Alberts (Willard E. Alberts) & myself sent for a walk and a bit of shooting and found a English bomber crashed in the salt flats, nearby was the pilot’s grave, A/F/Sgt G. B. Gibbins(?) Jr, plus ASN dated Jan. 14, 1943 only a month ago.

Entry 31, Feb. 15 Mon

Rough road then a desert track with plenty of dust, arrived at Darraugh L.G. at about 15:30, set up in not too bad a spot.

Entry 32, Feb. 16 Tue

Took a bath, S/Sgt R.A. Grimes(?) moved in today, a wild red head and crazy. A mobile P.X. pulled in today so I got some stuff. We are now about 209 miles from the front. Party last night, I had one cup of “purple passion” (Grape juice, grapefruit juice, sugar water & gin) rough stuff, the party got too wild for me so I checked out but from my tent I could still hear it.

Entry 33, Feb. 17 Wed

Today I got my first hop since Pinellas Dec. 26. 45 min in 75, certainly felt funny. Worked on tent and wrote mom suggesting some writing & reading material.

Entry 34, Feb. 18 Thur

Today I got 1:30 in 90, some formation, flying especially landing not so hot. Sgt Turner (Richard R. Turner?) put in lights today, pretty good. Ermis (Raymond A. Ermis) & I, mostly Ermis, dug a slit trench today, being that there is an order out there is a lot of the same being dug. Doc Magness (Stephen L. Magness) gave a lecture on gun shot wounds. After the lecture the fellows were talking about what they would do when they got home. Scotty Rogers (William B. Rogers) was going to feed his kids bully beef and see how long they lasted. Habits get a lot of changing around here the urge of nature doesn’t call for a trip somewhere, stop where one is. It is so dry that in no time a bit of water will completely disappear. By night the wind that had been blowing all day died down and the moon came out bright as day. A swell night for a Jerry illegible but I have my slit trench dug.

Entry 35, Feb. 19 Fri

Flew 1:00 in 80, some more formation. Still not so hot at it, glad it is only practice and if it hadn’t I sure would have got my butt shot up. Made my first real dust storm landing, made it OK, a bit rough. Dust blew all day so you could hardly see from one tent to another so I sat in the mess hall & censored mail. Doc lectured on hemorrhages tonight. Mail from Mrs. Reynolds and mom. Looks as tho I might get some mail after all. When I got back to the tent everything had a thick coating of dust, really funny looking.

Entry 36, Feb. 20 Sat

Rode into Misurata (Misrata, Libya) with Alberts and Gibbons (Thomas R. Gibbins?) after water. Slightly beat up from the war but could be worse. Did see a few women, the desert is rough on a person I guess for they could have been a lot worse. Missed a hot shower in town but maybe next time. Nearly got lost on way back in the desert.

Entry 37, Feb. 21 Sun

Dusty again today so no flying. Took another bath and washed some clothing. Wing Commander Jackie Darwin of RAF gave us a talk on Jerry tactics and how to fight them. Hope I am never as bad off as he seems to be, smoking cigarettes one after another and as nervous as a cat. He appears to have had it and has seen…(entry ends here; several entries/pages missing and don’t resume until partway in March 2 Tue entry)

Entry 46, March 2 Tue

…charge of operations spoke, and a very interesting talk it was. The boys had a practice escort with 12^th Bomb. Wandered around the field and looked over some beat up Italian & Jerry ships. The G.I.s again today got payed(sic) in a lot of B.M.A. money, a bushel basket full of stuff. Generator didn’t work so the lights we put up didn’t work. Jerry visited Tripoli tonight a good show, the Ack Ack got 2 ships.

Entry 47, March 3 Wed

Major Grogan gave us a talk on aerial gunnery a few good points. Road(sic) in a 12 Bomb ship (89) on another practice escort job. Scotty was forced down but OK got back with a few repairs. Owen (Clinton V. Owen) & Ermis got their F/O appointments effective Dec. 20. Received a letter from Nell Trotter(?) & an Xmas card from Service News Committee. Lights working tonight.

Entry 48, March 4 Thur

Got an English helmet & got it ready for service. Helped censor mail for a while. Some more shadow gunnery in 81 for 1:10 with Bud Hennin (Francis W. Hennin). P.P. gunnery fellows got some furniture for club. Answered yesterday’s mail. Cleaned my pistol.

Entry 49, March 5 Fri

More shadow gunnery for 1:15 in 90. Pittard (James G. Pittard) hit a Iti (Italian) truck on the field at take off but no one was hurt. Mail from Marge, Rose, and A/C Roy Baxter answered all of them. More gunnery in 93 for 1:15. Club is now quite a place.

Entry 50, March 6 Sat

Had my teeth checked for dental identification 17 fillings, 15 teeth out of 28. :50 minutes in 75 for some formation & straffing(sic). Party night tonight, got up about 3 times with the dogs barking. George really illegible for a change and really raised the roof. 86^th officers over to the club.

Entry 51, March 7 Sun

Letter from Jan. Went over with McKay to 12^th Bomb to get money order but no luck. Owen & Ermis went to town & got a stove. Jerry visited Tripoli tonight.

Entry 52, March 8 Mon

Meeting with British S-2, mail from Bill & Jane and answered Jane. Jerry payed(sic) another visit tonight.

Entry 53, March 9 Tue

A hot dusty day. Early this morning, a Whimpy (Vickers Wellington bomber) cracked up by Gp-Ops (Group Operations) but no one was hurt I guess. Mail from Jane & Rose Ann.

Entry 54, March 10 Wed

Washed some clothing, went to town this PM and did some window shopping. Some girls from a traveling show were here and a lot of the fellows went to the show this evening. Janicki (Chester Janicki) got back today. Received a letter from mom & answered.

Entry 55, March 11 Thur

Packed a box of stuff to leave with “B” boys. Got money orders ($378.43) and sent them home. Sent some questions about illegible for mom to answer. Got packed ready to move. Jerry gave a good show over Tripoli last night. Red and I had to put Owens to bed tonight.

Entry 56, March 12 Fri

Got up too early for sensible people and on the road at 4:30 perched on top of Ops truck. At the first stop I got in the front of Sgt. Parks (Eugene W. Park?) trucked camped for the night not far from destination. Slept with Bane (Eustace H. Bane), Cirito (A.J. Cirrito), Jonas (Lloyd P. Jonas), Pittard and Pinkham (John H. Pinkham). Had a heated discussion on post-war problems.

Entry 57, March 13 Sat

Got a late start but arrived about noon at Causeway L.G. got set up. Planes got bogged in when they landed on the field which was a salt flat and the crust was not too solid. Quite a tent full now, Pittard, Ermis, Jaslow (Charles Jaslow), Baronati (Leo G. Berinati), Hundley (James G. Hundley) & myself. All day & night we could here(sic) the rumble of guns from the front. We were told of the show starting tomorrow so everyone was solemn this evening.

Entry 58, March 14 Sun

Hit the jackpot today, received 15 letters from 7 different girls, wow, answered Ginny & Marianna. Also received mail from RoseAnn, Florence Reynolds, Marge, Jan, Boots, Bob, Gene, mom, Ann & a Xmas card from Millard & illegible. Boys went on first show, a bomber escort to Mareth Line. Huff (Frank M. Huff) ran into Fitz (Edward P. Fitzgerald) and chewed his tail off. Everyone got back safe after a lot of sweating by us and the ground crew. Field is new so we don’t want Jerry to get a radar fix on us so we fly low, but not Dietrich (Emery A. Dietrick) who circles at 6,000.

Entry 59, March 15 Mon

The Ides of March at hand. The boys had a fighter bomber show but all fucked up. 2 ships got pranged nosing up on the soft crust. Everyone moved out of the tent today. Pitt left me a stove to keep warm with, Red Ermis has moved in with the cooks. A lot of aerial traffic tonight, 4 flares were dropped SW of here.

Entry 60, March 16 Tue

Wrote Marge, Jan, Jane. Went over and visited the radar station near the field a very interesting set up. The boys brought in a ME109G they picked up near Zarzis (Tunisia). A recce ship.

Entry 61, March 17 Wed

Took a bath & worked on the 109, ran it up with the British(?) prop and without, rough but has possibilities.

Entry 62, March 18 Thur

2 years in the army today.

Entry 63, March 19 Fri

The wind blew in from the sea last night and a small tidal wave covered the Ack Ack boy on the edge of the field. They were really soaked & had to move to higher ground. My tent about blew down so I moved in with Adair (Asa Adair) and Jory (Jesse F. Jory). Their tent is in a deep gully so it is out of the wind & safe from bombing. Several alarms today but no raids. Worked on the 109.

Entry 64, March 20 Sat

Got ready to move again. Red, Janicki & myself are going back to Castel Benito. A Spit (Supermarine Spitfire) Recce came in today, prop had gone out, the ship was well-covered with oil. Bane gave us a talk o the big offensive starting tonight. The boys had two bomber escort jobs today. Mail from mom, Ron, and Ginny. Tonight the big guns opened up for the drive on the Mareth Line, we could see the flashes and hear the roar of the guns.

Entry 65, March 21 Sun

About 4:00 there was an explosion nearby caused by some bombs dropped but I heard no ship overhead and the explosion nearly threw me out of bed. Got my baggage together and took off in 92 a 1:05 hop back to Castel Benito. The 85^th lost a ship (Melvin K. Davis-MIA) and there was a lot of flying so the show is well on the way. Got a tent in with Zombie (John P. Dzamba).

Entry 66, March 22 Mon

Went into town to get Highfield and Kirsch (John L. Kirsch) to go back to Causeway. Rode the motorcycle back in the rain. A Whimpy burned upon the field this morning. Ran into Johnnie Rudolph today, he is in 315 Service Grp. He had helped save the pilot of the Whimpy. We had quite a chat. Hennin came into the tent. Huff made a crash landing in a ship well shot up on a mission. Got shot up by 3 ME109s 3, cal. 30 and a cannon shot. Tonight in the tent we were talking about it and in all seriousness he said “You know, I think they were trying to kill me.”

Entry 67, March 23 Tue

Took a illegible Huff ship & worked on the motorcycle. Red, Janicki & myself went through the mail and I got mail from Marge, Jan & the “8” club, answered Jan.

Entry 68, March 24 Wed

Wrote Ginny, mom & Rose. Went to town & got a room and took a look at the town. Stayed at RAF club. Left laundry took bath & shave.

Entry 69, March 25 Thur

Ferried ship 585 to the 57^th (Fighter Group) a 50 minute hop, hung around the 65^th (Fighter Squadron) and saw a few of the boys and came back in a British Bombay. Went into a show in Castel Benito with Johnnie. Ran into F/O Arbon(?) a fellow I met at Cairo.

Entry 70, March 26 Fri

Had a meeting today and the 316 boys (316^th Fighter Squadron/324^th Fighter Group) are going to our outfit and we stay(?) and fly. Hadnot(?), with me on Morina(?) fld orders, came in today with a flight of ship.

Entry 71, March 27 Sat

Wrote Marge & mom. Owen & McDonald (Edward O. McDonnell?) brought some ships back for exchange as they were badly shot up. Got some ME parts. Dust blowing up.

Entry 72, March 28 Sun

Very dusty, went over & talked with courier crew from illegible. Shot the bull & listened to their radio. Letter from Marianna. Rained this illegible.

Entry 73, March 29 Mon

Courier pilot had trouble, sat around Stahls(?) tent & talked, illegible Holster arrived.

Entry 74, March 30 Tue

Had some ships about ready to test hop but not quite. Went down to the line & shot the bull with anyone who would shoot. Saw illegible & Hadnot(?). Wrote Marianna & Ann.

Entry 75, March 31 Wed

Made the courier run in 799 for 2:30 Causeway. 57^th & 12^th Bomb at El Assa. Mail from Sibly(?) & mom.

Entry 76, April 1 Thur

Went to town & got some junk(?) & laundry.

Entry 77, April 2 Fri

Cleaned up and not much happened today.

Entry 78, April 3 Sat

Courier again today, got stuck at 79^th but no damage, then to 57^th but had to get oil at El Assa, another 2:30 hop in pretty bad weather. Saw a fellow of 316 that was in 59^th when I was.

Entry 79, April 4 Sun

Washed some clothes & took a bath, test hopped a ship & got :35. Saw Manda(?).

Entry 80, April 5 Mon

Two test hops today 25 min in one and 20 min in a K1 (P-40K-1). Flew the K1 up the 57^th, led a flight up and landed at the wrong field, logged 1:15 road(sic) back in a DC-3.

Entry 81, April 6 Tue

Courier again today 79^th, 57^th & 12^th Bomba 3:15 hop. Hadn’t had mail for several days but today from Jan, mom-Libby, Marianna & Rose.

Entry 82, April 7 Wed

20 min test hop with a few raunchy slow rolls. Slow time a ship up to 79^th for a 1:05 hop. Kelly stayed up & Ed Byron came back in the DC. Byron moved in the tent. Lt. Abbott (85^th FS William G. Abbott) stayed with us this morning as he was on his way to the outfit. Had been shot down & injured on his first mission.

Entry 83, April 8 Thur

Laundry service was part of days job, ferried a ship to 57^th for a 1:20 hop, road(sic) back on the DC.

Entry 84, April 9 Fri

Back on the courier today 2:30 to the same old spots, wandered into Tripoli but did no good. Wrote mom & Jan.

Entry 85, April 10 Sat

Had to go to Gabes on the courier run today, 2:35. A Vmail from Marge.

Entry 86, April 11 Sun

Went down to fly and had a pain in my side so I thought it best to go over and see Doc if I had a bad appendix but he said no so I must be OK. Mail from Marge again. Saw a Abbott & Costello show at Castel Benito tonight.

Entry 87, April 12 Mon

Two test hops today :30 in one & :10 in the other, the latter was a slow time job but wheels wouldn’t come up so I came back in.

Entry 88, April 13 Tue

Courier again today. 2:30 and not the old tractor to fly. The same trip as Sat. Jerry visited Tripoli tonight the first since we got back.

Entry 89, April 14 Wed

Took a bath & washed some things. Wrote Bill, Marge, Libby and Marianna. Ally(?) had some beer for me but I wasn’t here to get it so we lost out and for that I got a good ribbing. Burns (85^th FS Harold R. Burns?) came in for a night landing, almost had the Ack Ack after him.

Entry 90, April 15 Thur

A 30 min test job on the old tractor but she sprang a glycol leak. Layed(sic) around most of the day.

Entry 91, April 16 Fri

Courier again today, 4:00 trip now to El Djem Sfax & Gabes a long time out 6:30 from the time I left the field.

Entry 92, April 17 Sat

Went to Tripoli today and wandered around. McCarthy (James E. McCarty?), Burns & McCool came in today. Saw a couple American nurses in Tripoli today, a bit rugged looking but still American.

Entry 93, April 18 Sun

Hopped a DC-3 at 8:00 for the 79^th who is now at La Fauconnerie but they were on their way out when we got there so the DC pilot was persuaded to go on to Kairouan where the outfit is. This afternoon I visited the second most holy city of the Mohammida(sic). Went in the sacred walled city but not much there but filth. Saw some very pretty French women, for dinner we had the first steaks I had eaten since I left Miami.

Entry 94, April 19 Mon

Moved in with Owen, Ermis, Janicki. Gus & Janicki came in on DC today. Movie tonight, “Remember Pearl Harbor.” Baron (Leo G. Berinati) was at 57^th when Jerry illegible them a bombing & strafing visit. Letter from Nell.

Entry 95, April 20 Tue

Letter from Rose, wrote mom, Rose & Nell. Dug a slit trench and properly broke in a new helmet by washing in it.

Entry 96, April 21 Wed

Flew some formation in Y62 for .50. About time I should be getting some ops. A lot of time has gone by and I still haven’t got a mission. I certainly am not eager but I want to get started.

Entry 97, April 22 Thur

Steak again today. Went traveling around today Sousse, Monastir, Moanine(?), Bourjine, Msaken and saw some of the dirtiest joints I could imagine people living in. Chester Janicki was out shooting shadow gunnery and hit a wing, cartwheeled along a salt lake. He must have had it as I don’t see how a fellow could live through it. It’s rough to have a tent mate killed like that. He was so eager to get a crack at Jerry but he never got a chance. Nights at Castel Benito he use to keep talking about it and Gus would say “Put me in coach.”

Entry 98, April 23 Fri

Glasgow (85^th FS William G. Glasgow) hit prop wash and did a snap roll on the approach, completely demolished the plane, prop torn from the ship, engine through the rear of the ship and the tail broken at the radio compartment but he came through without a scratch. What luck.

Entry 99, April 24 Sat

Got Janickis stuff to supply and things to be sent home. Ran into Orlandi who was with me in the 59^th so we went around the fellows in the 315^th (315^th Fighter Squadron/324^th Fighter Group) looking up old cronies. Gave my mustache up as a bad job today.

Entry 100, April 25 Sun

Easter Sunday but no Easter parade, but quite a few eggs for Jerry. A :45 hop in 86, formation & dogfight with Duke (Benjamin F. Uhrich), pretty rusty by the looks of things. Went to church tonight and partook of Holy Communion, first time in my life for me, guess I have always skipped out before. Wrote Jan.

Entry 101, April 26 Mon

First Ops mission today, 1:35 in 71 a fucked up mission but got through. Tyson & I got lost from rest of formation. It was a bomber escort job. A log of Ack Ack which is fascinating to say the least. Jerrys on the ground are intent to kill. Target was a L.G. at Soliman. Couldn’t see the results for I was too busy. Letter from Jan, Marianna and Marge. Wrote Jane.

Entry 102, April 27 Tue

Mail from mom, Marge and Aunt Ora. Wrote mom & Marianna. Went to the ammo dump at Kairouan and scrounged around. Sent some laundry, don’t know how long it will take but it is off.

Entry 103, April 28 Wed

Censored mail and finally a Dive Bombing show in 86 for 1:20. Target was a ship off Cape Bon first time I have dropped 500 lbs and in fact first time I ever dropped a bomb, it hit short of the target. Lot of bad weather but no e/a’s (enemy aircraft). The fellows got an order today to turn in all motorcycles, makes them very unhappy.

Entry 104, April 29 Thur

Windy and damned hot today, ran into Sgt. Webb, on of the boys I knew in the 59^th at the 316^th also saw a show “XC Romance.” It was old but just as welcome as a just release.

Entry 105, April 30 Fri

Two missions today. 1:30 dive bombing show in 71. Target was a destroyer in Bay of Tunis, a lot of Ack Ack but was not hit. The second show in 72 for (blank), radio was out so I had to turn back before we got to Hergla. The boys definitely got a destroyer on this show, 2 direct hits. Payed(sic) this evening 7521 Francs, payed(sic) bar bill. Cut my hand on one of my 3 bottle beer ration. Mail Marge Jane mom & Bill answered the last two. Got things started for moms dependency.

Entry 106, May 1 Sat

Windy all day, went to group to a show but was called off, so we all returned unhappy.

Entry 107, May 2 Sun

Supposed to have an early show but postponed until late. 1:45 Dive Bomber show in 71 when it did happen. The same old run. Took a cold shower at the water point, sure felt swell.

Entry 108, May 3 Mon

Windy and hot again today.

Entry 109, May 4 Tue

Cooler today letter from Marianna and answered the one I received from Jan. A. D.B. show called off. “The Fleets In” showed so I was there.

Entry 110, May 5 Wed

A 1:40 Dive Bomber Escort in 96. Saw my first E/A’s today. They met us head on, two Me109’s, no one could whip around in time to get a shot for they were going down and headed for home. They came so close that I could make out the white band with the black cross on it. Another Dive Bomber Escort this afternoon 1:20 in 20. Same old meat run, around Cape Bon and down into Tunis Bay. There was a large sea plane near a ship, we bombed and we expected some cover but no luck. Got the plan of battle for the coming drive.

Entry 111, May 6 Thur

2 letters from Marge. The boys got a destroyer on the last show, blew it sky high. Saw “Yacht Club Boys” this evening. The allies are only 9 miles from Tunis, should make it by morning.

Entry 112, May 7 Fri

Another Dive Bomber Escort show in 81 for 1:40. Got a bit behind the show and threw the needle to it and she showed signs of quitting faithful services, had a good sweat job back but made it OK. Had an electrical short in 76 so I couldn’t get off on another show, about my luck. Mail from Ginny, Jan, Marge & Bob. Rain this evening and the mud is like cement. Wrote mom, Jan & Marianna & Bob.

Entry 113, May 8 Sat

Rain and mud stopped an early show. Wrote Ginny. A Dive Bomber Escort of 1:40 in 91, not much happened, cross the Cape several times and had a lot of Ack Ack pumped up. A second show but this was Bombing in 74 for 1:30, saw a couple ME’s but couldn’t do any good. Lt. George Lee alone. Saw a show “7 sinners” this evening, old but entertainment.

Entry 114, May 9 Sun

Sent a $100 money order. Had a 1:25 Dive Bomber Escort in 71. I had no radio but when we got back the boys said there were E/A around but I didn’t see any. The same old meat run with a few changes, so we got quite a bit of Ack Ack.

Entry 115, May 10 Mon

Had a Bomber Escort of 17 Bostons to Pantelleria, we dubbed it Black Top Islan because of the sold layer of Ack Ack above it. Logged 1:45 in 72. This evening Capt Eddie Rickenbacker came in in a DC-3. He gave a short talk talk to the fellows as Gp. If there ever was a fellow living on borrowed time he is him. Looks a bit older than I had expected but after all he is not young and has been through a lot. No mail for several days should be piling up. Got an English Summer helmet and fixed it up for service. 3 bottle beer ration today.

Entry 116, May 11 Tue

One mission in 76 for 1:35, flew Col Bates (Earl Bates) wing. Dive Bomb and strafe job. The bomb line moved out of Tunisia today and the only thing left is a little local moping(sic) up north of Cufitaville(?). Mail from Ginny, party night tonight.

Entry 117, May 12 Wed

Had a life raft put on my chute. Jerry resistance finally gave up. There was a celebration this evening, firing of flares, pistols, hand grenades, machine guns a regular fourth of July. Wrote Ginny, feel a bit rough from last nights party.

Entry 118, May 13 Thur

The scroungers started today, brought in a bunch of cars from where the front had been. Saw the “Invisible Agent” this evening.

Entry 119, May 14 Fri

Was sicker than hell last night, one of those old bilious attacks. Was planning on going scavenging today but didn’t feel much like it. Went at Kairouan in Jaslows Jeep & played a little tennis on a court in town. Fellows came back with more cars and tales of adventure among the surrendering Jerries. Fell(sic) better this evening.

Entry 120, May 15 Sat

Went out today with Zombie & Pittard. Found what was left of a Jerry work shop east of Nabuel (Nabeul, Tunisia). Found a Jerry camp north of Korba just as Jerry & Itis had moved out. Jerry really wrecks things but the Itis are not so bad. Got a Jeep put together. Had a whole truck load of motorcycles. Supposed to go to a dance in Monastir tonight but didn’t make it back in time.

Entry 121, May 16 Sun

Got home about 2 AM and off again this morning. Went to a truck park north of Grombalia and back to the work shop. Between Nabuel(sic) & Korba we were side swiped by a Iti truck driven by an Iti prisoner of war. T/sgt Ralph Moran was thrown clear of the truck and received a compound fracture of the right elbow. Thank God a British major & Lt Col of the medics came along and they took over & fixed him up. Pulled an engine on an American Jeep Jerry had captured for our Engineering Jeep. Got a couple Iti cars & a truck. Also a pranged English Jeep.

Entry 122, May 17 Mon

Same run but in hopes of getting another Jeep south of Grombalia but no luck, some one had beat us. Towed a truck for some 316 fellows and got back early. Letter from Libby.

Entry 123, May 18 Tue

I have about had this scrounging so I took a sight seeing trip in 90 for 1:20. Just up around the cape and Tuni, beautiful country the mountains and such.

Entry 124, May 19 Wed

Shipping patrol shop in 94 for 1:40 never did find the destroyers but picked up some mine layers rather sweepers and covered them for another 1:30 show. Rain so things are muddy and cool. Received & answered a letter for mom.

Entry 125, May 20 Thur

Got a letter from Dora and answered. Wrote up an accident report on Morgan. Dryed(sic) up some.

Entry 126, May 21 Fri

Another escort today in 94 for 1:55, a quiet job of escorting a convoy. The last show had a night landing and Scotty Rogers hit a gas barrel and his ship caught fire. Old 77 really lived up to her name “Canned Heat.” Scotty received second degree burns of face neck & hands. Could be much worse.

Entry 127, May 22 Sat

Letter from Marge & Marianna. Start of an Escort mission in 86 but belly tank was out so I got only 25 min but Commando sent rest of flight back. Funeral services for Janicki were held today. We could not get him out of the ship so some POW came and did. A very good funeral. Saw a retake of “A Night in the Tropics” but it was good again.

Entry 128, May 23 Sun

Hot today, worked on a box for a footlocker. Arnold Y1’s party in M/sgt Bill Gardners tent tonight. Letter for Phil Kottelly(?).

Entry 129, May 24 Mon

Pinkham and I left in “Shims”(?) Jeep for Cape bon. Sun was hot and a stiff wind, went around the cape and stayed in Tunis tonight. Got a room at the “Capital Hotel,” not too bad no water or lights but a pretty fair bed. Took a look at the town isn’t much but has possibilities. Saw Tivan(?) and some other fellows I knew from the 33^rd. Many beautiful girls but if you don’t speak French it does you absolutely no good.

Entry 130, May 25 Tue

Went up to Carthage, had a flat on the way. Engaged a guide and saw the ancient ruins. Worked on the Jeep a bit and started back for camp after chow. George Lee came along with us on the trip back through Taguan(?), had a flat between Enfitaville (Enfidha) & Kairouan. A French fellow was going to fix it but gave up, got some American Engineers to lend as a wheel. So we made it back. Got a letter from 337 Ftr(?) Sq about baggage & Pinkham heard from Cochran that it was at Kelo(?) 13, warehouse B.

Entry 131, May 26 Wed

Under the weather with the G.I.’s today, tent broke down & had to be fixed. Mail from Libby, Ann & Bill.

Entry 132, May 27 Thur

This evening I started doctoring the Y.1’s so I feel some better now. Saw a hooting, shooting wild west film “Tombstone.” Club got a refrigerator.

Entry 133, May 28 Fri

Got a 3 day pass and planned to go to Constantine but delayed. Mail from Rose & Marianna. Ran out of gas on the way back from town. Fellows made some fudge in the club today, oh boy.

Entry 134, May 29 Sat

Left about 9:15 in 99 for Constantine, took about an hour, 1:00. Tyson pranged his ship. Got a bed in RAF rest camp, wandered around town, ate at casino and went to show this evening. A beautiful town built on the side of a deep ravine that is deep. Some beautiful gals here also.

Entry 135, May 30 Sun

We got a room at Grande Hotel and moved in. Visited Red Cross officers club. Captain Ryne(?) of the 86 borrowed the plane and went to see about moving rumor. Ace, Jory and the Baron got back from Algiers. “Ty”(?) did all right at the nurses home I hear.

Entry 136, May 31 Mon

Flew back with Jory and Baron for 1:15. Plenty hot back here but I enjoyed my 3 day pass. Got ready to move and got payed(sic) $158. Jerry visited Sousse but only dropped flares.

Entry 137, June 1 Tue

Flew with the 86^th, 1:00 in 47 (Dannie Mayer) on Ewing’s wing (86^th FS George W. Ewing). A long time since I flew with him, not since Pinellas. Not a bad spot named El Haouaria, right on the end of Cape Bon.

Entry 138, June 2 Wed

Scrounged around, visited an Iti merchant ship we had damaged just off shore. Built a raft to get out in. Monkeyed around all day.

Entry 139, June 3 Thur

Went scavenging with Ermis & Tallmadge (Edward C. Tallmadge) this PM.

Entry 140, June 4 Fri

Went out to 59^th to see some of the boys today. The outfit has really changed, not many of the old fellows still there. Owen flew a plane out so I picked him up. Mail from mom-Florence, Marge & Bob. A 2 hr alert this evening but no dice.

Entry 141, June 5 Sat

Wrote mom, Rose & Bob.

Entry 142, June 6 Sun

Mail from Ginny & Jane & Virginia Clark. Bomber escort in 81 for 1:00, nothing of event on the usual trip to Pantelleria. Had a rough time getting back on the ground, must be getting rusty.

Entry 143, June 7 Mon

2 hr alert this morning but the usual sitting around only. Escort show in 93, 1:05. Started to show “One Thrilling Night” but Jerry scared it out. Seen it before anyway.

Entry 144, June 8 Tue

Went out on the boat today, saw a good Ack Ack show, must have been a Jerry destroyer, got away. Was ft(?) spare on a 16 ship show but didn’t take off.

Entry 145, June 9 Wed

Two umbrella shows over Pantelleria, the first a 1:30 in 81 and the second 1:30 in 72, nearly to Sicily but no dice. When we were landing we heard someone get jumped, guess we must have stirred up the fighters.

Entry 146, June 10 Thur

Another umbrella job over Pantelleria, 1:25 in 91. The usual RA trip. Went to Kairouan to 338 Service Gp & picked up a ship, .45XC coming back. The fellows had a field day today, about 15 all fighters, it was a good show with a P-40 jumping a ME109 and Macchi 202’s for a change. Lt. McArthur (Paul G. McArthur) was shot down but the fellows stayed out until he was picked up by a duck (Grumman J2F Duck).

Entry 147, June 11 Fri

Same run as before for 1:05 in 70 but this time a Bomber Escort. A lot of naval activity but nothing else, even the Ack Ack has died out, guess they have moved out. Wrote Ginny & Virginia Clark mail from Marianna & Rose. Another bomber escort job to Lampedusa for 2:00 in 94, a long haul but illegible. Pantelleria finally gave in. Mac (Lt. McArthur) got back with a fine story with 4 destroyed and a damage.

Entry 148, June 12 Sat

Stood alert today but per usual nothing happened. Saw “The Hard Way” at the 65^th.

Entry 149, June 13 Sun

Off ops today, a few pilots went to Alexandria on leave. Wrote Marianna and went to church at the officers club this evening, got packed to move again.

Entry 150, June 14 Mon

Moved out in 83, 2:00 to Bon Gara (Boughara, Tunisia). A dust bowl so Duke wanted ships to be moved to Causeway. Took off and the engine developed a notion of not running. Managed to get around to approach before she cut out. The left wheel hit down wind of a bunch of camel grass and tore the gear loose. I went skating along on the belly tank (150 gal job full). Got a wingtip and a flap but no prop. Not a bad way to loose(sic) my cherry, the first ship I ever cracked up or damaged. Took 81 to Causeway for .30. Drove to Tripoli with Kirsch, Lee & Hennin. Got stuck in the salt flats between Zarzis & Ben Gardene (Gardane), but finally after much labor got out.

Entry 151, June 15 Tue

Hit Tripoli about 4:00 and slept on a bench in the lobby of the RAF club. There was a paratrooper scare as we came along the road. Finally got a room and a hot bath. Visited PX & officers shop. A raid tonight noisy but no damage as I can see.

Entry 152, June 16 Wed

Went out to 4^th field hospital to see Scotty, brought him back to town & a show. Think the bed bugs clobbered me last night.

Entry 153, June 17 Thur

Left car at a Y.1 garage where Fitzgerald hopes to sell it, hopped a DC and came back to Causeway. Not a bad camp spot. Mail from mom, Marge Bill & Ernie. Got my box I had left in Tripoli.

Entry 154, June 18 Fri

Bought some clothing at QM. Bites are still bad, went swimming.

Entry 155, June 19 Sat

Dead as ever wrote mom, Bill & Ernie. “Sky Blayers” a bunch of G.I.’s put on a very good show. Music & com, a change well welcomed.

Entry 156, June 20 Sun

The usual quiet day.

Entry 157, June 21 Mon

Went to the beach and did some firing (fishing?), received a couple letters from Marge, wrote Marge & Rose. Double feature at Gp. tonight “Pride of the Yankees” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Both darned good. Some American nurses were here from a nearby field hospital, American women at last but it does us 8/O’s(?) little good.

Entry 158, June 22 Tue

Mail from Jan Libby & Marge, wrote Jan.

Entry 159, June 23 Wed

Show at 57^th “Kings Row,” heavy but good.

Entry 160, June 24 Thur

Saw demonstration of radio direction station, a handy little device, should have had it in the desert. Took X-ray, Wasserman & urinalysis for 64 at 4^th field hospital at Zarzis. George brought back my watch & pictures.

Entry 161, June 25 Fri

6 hr trip to Alex (Alexandria?), got room at Red Cross officers club, went to dance at the club, met a gal named Jackie. First time I have ever been to Alex, the most modern town around here. The club is on the water front and the waves put one to sleep.

Entry 162, June 26 Sat

Went to Sporting Club, swam and ate ice cream. The club is the most civilized place in town. Saw the races. Went to a dance at Hyde Park this evening.

Entry 163, June 27 Sun

Back to the Sporting Club, sailing this afternoon on a Red Cross expedition and the Metropole at night, hardly a Sunday night pastime but I loved it.

Entry 164, June 28 Mon

The usual day at the club, a dance at the club this evening, met a WRNS who could speak understandable English. Seems she had lived in the states.

Entry 165, June 29 Tue

Swam at Sidi Bishr(?) beach this afternoon and another dance at Hyde Park Place this evening but not as nice a dance as the last one.

Entry 166, June 30 Wed

Sporting club again, a date with Rose Mary a WRNS I met at the dance. Had a date and went to see a play, “French in Force(?)” and then a show “Twin Beds.”

Entry 167, July 1 Thur

The DC we were supposed to pull out in was clapped out so we didn’t make it so back to the Sporting Club and to see Bel Lillie and Vivian Leigh in “Springtime.” Went to see “Something to Shout About” afterward.

Entry 168, July 2 Fri

Finally got off in the DC a long & very hot trip. Got payed(sic) and sent the whole wad home P.T.A. Plenty of mail, Ginny Marianna, Rose Bill & Bob. Was on a night patrol in Zarzis to see all the soldiers were out. Took a swim about 10:30 that was swell.

Entry 169, July 3 Sat

Wrote mom and Ginny, mail from Marianna and 4 papers. The first I have received. “Sabetime”(?) was showing at the 85^th, went swimming twice today.

Entry 170, July 4 Sun

Hot still and flys(sic) are bothering like hell, enough to run a fellow off his beam. Sat in the beach swimming and eating watermelons. Shot off some flares to celebrate 4^th of July. Wrote mom Bill & Marianna.

Entry 171, July 5 Mon

Hot again so off to the beach, wrote Phil & Libby

Entry 172, July 6 Tue

Hot a bit cooler today. A U.S.O. show moved in today. Gen. Brereton (Lewis H. Brereton) was here and gave out D.F.C.’s but of the squadron “Goose” Gossick (Lee V. Gossick) was the only present. The gals put on a very good show this evening.

Entry 173, July 7 Wed

Hot so we went swimming, party night tonight so we all got pranged proper.

Entry 174, July 8 Thur

Took 78 to El Haouaria to the 324 Gp. A DC was supposed to pick us up but no soap it beat us out. “Pittsburg” was the movie so tho I had seen it twice before I went again, slept in the E.M. (Enlisted Men’s) club.

Entry 175, July 9 Fri

Sweat out another day, some fellows got off in “L”s (P-40Ls) and 3 in a Fairchild. A beautiful cold coming(sic) on so we stayed at the 314^th again tonight.

Entry 176, July 10 Sat

The 324 covered the Sicily invasion so we sweat them out, they had a rough time with the allied navy Ack Ack. Got a DC back. Mail from Marge Dora & Bill. Cold pretty rugged another paper. To bed early to sleep off this cold, my ears seem affected someway. Guess I should have flown back.

Entry 177, July 11 Sun

Cold a bit better but still feel pretty rugged. Wrote Dora.

Entry 178, July 12 Mon

Wrote Ginny, got a telegram from Jane, some more papers. Went to see “Affairs of Margaret” pretty good but wasn’t in much of a mood to enjoy it. Wrote Jane.

Entry 179, July 13 Tue

Wrote Bill & Ann. Cold some better.

Entry 180, July 14 Wed

Really didn’t feel a whole of a lot better but did some tall sleeping. A card and a letter from Jane as well as some papers. The fellows are seating out Smiling Jack to see if he gets married to that stuff.

Entry 181, July 15 Thur

Got some chocolate mom sent me yesterday but it wasn’t much to speak about.

Entry 182, July 16 Fri

A bunch of English fellows came around with a musical show and it wasn’t too bad.

Entry 183, July 17 Sat

Show, double feature this evening. “To the Shores of Tripoli” and “Private Buckaroo” at the 85^th.

Entry 184, July 18 Sun

The last Wasserman I had taken spoiled in the heat before it was tested so I ad a retake taken today. Another show “Street of Chance” tonight.

Entry 185, July 19 Mon

Col. McAlister (Charles D. McAlister) of 9^th Fighter Command was around today and gave out Airmen’s metal(sic), dated June 20, plenty old. Lt. Charles Lowndes (86^th FS) was up in his ship “Clobber Clipper” today and spun in, got to the ship shortly after it bit, but there was nothing left but small burning pieces. Mail from Ginny Rose & Nell.

Entry 186, July 20 Tue

Supposed to hop DC to Kairouan but it didn’t show up. Wrote Ginny & Rose, received 5 papers. This morning Col. Bates inspected the place. Cold still not too hot.

Entry 187, July 21 Wed

About 15:00 got DC to Kairouan and took 929 to El Aouina LG at Tunis 45 min. Went to Tunis and saw a few of the boys, Raper(?) for one. Stayed at the field tonight. The place is well bombed out, no windows and few serviceable buildings. Across the road is a lot about two blocks square full of pranged Jerry & Iti planes, some mess.

Entry 188, July 22 Thur

About 13:00 got a DC to Tripoli. Saw Johnnie Rudolph and went to show “They got me covered” at the fort, stayed at Hotel Degink.

Entry 189, July 23 Fri

Took eye part for my 64 this morning and went to Tripoli this PM. Haircut shave & shampoo also some ice cream of the sort like frozen water. Saw U.S.O. show at 315 Service Gp. not a line(?) charged.

Entry 190, July 24 Sat

Back to the field via DC about 9:00 mail from mom & Marge, wrote mom Ginny & Marge. Hot with a good old fashion dust storm this PM.

Entry 191, July 25 Sun

Went after watermelons, also to hospital to see about my plugged ear. “B” party moved out.

Entry 192, July 26 Mon

Mail from Jan, Marianna & Marge. Packed and moved out in 70, a 2:00 trip to Cassilibile (Cassibile) L.G. Sicily. Set up in the open under a mosquito bar(?) under a tree. A beautiful spot, an olive orchard with green trees and grass and red dirt not sand.

Entry 193, July 27 Tue

Jerry visited Syracuse this morning, the harbor is only 6 miles away so we had a good seat to a beautiful Ack Ack show. This evening Jerry came back and dropped a cluster of flares which appeared to be right over the field, it was as light as day and we expected him to pay a personal visit. Wrote Jan & Marianna.

Entry 194, July 28 Wed

Went to see Doc Hoffman (Richards H. Hoffman) about my ears, he has grounded me. About 11:00 a lone ME 109 came over after a Dive Bomb run on Syracuse and strafed us, did little damage but really put people strafe conscious. I see everyone is packing a rifle or Tommy gun. He came back a second time but did no damage. B party moved in and said they had seen a strafing 109 shot down so he probably got it. Duke was going to send me back to Causeway but changed his mind.

Entry 195, July 29 Thur

Went to Noto this AM & had some ice cream, people seem friendly enough tho quite amazed at the whole thing. Picked up a sword and Iti flag at Avola. Raid last night with the usual shooting. Ear not much better.

Entry 196, July 30 Fri

Got packed again and Ace Adair and I set off in a Jeep for our new field. Some very beautiful country, very hilly and rough. Can’t see how anyone ever got a war through some of the spots we have seen. Arrived at Palagonia L.G. and set up for the night. Not a bd field I guess, not finished as yet but soon. It is in a valley which eventually ends up at Catania. It is strictly rural farmers around here in the valley with a town of Mineo on a hill to the east.

Entry 197, July 31 Sat

English Engineers finished the field and “B” party and planes arrived.

Entry 198, August 1 Sun

Started operating, field is very dusty but usually a fair breeze. Ear still bad, wrote Ginny & Nell.

Entry 199, August 2 Mon

The boil I got while at Cassibile is much better today, took a hot shower at a place set up by British.

Entry 200, August 3 Tue

Went to Mineo with laundry, people seem quite friendly but go wild at the sight of food. I am so mean I would like to see them eat themselves sick. “Red” Pittard got hit by Ack Ack over Messina Straits and hit the silk, probably a P.O.W. Today was rough, Ace Adair bailed out over out lines, but not back yet, Frank Huff is missing, the most of the days shows were straffing(sic) and a lot of damaged planes. Plenty rough day. Paper also mail from Ginny & Nell.

Entry 201, August 4 Wed

Doc Hoffman finally decided to let me go to hospital for ears not too wild about it but maybe it is best. Went to Caltagirone, Ace came hobbling back, not too much the worse for wear.

Entry 202, August 5 Thur

Doc decided to try packs in my nose instead of going to hospital. Some of the fellows went to Catania today as it fell yesterday. “Stage Door Canteen” was showing at the squadron. Mail from Virginia Clark & Libby.

Entry 203, August 6 Fri

Went to Catania today. The town has about had it, very few people in the street in fact the town looks almost deserted but for a few Limies (British troops). Found a swell house we hope to use as a club, it is fancy and expensive. The boys bombed a couple “F” boats & a destroyer.

Entry 204, August 7 Sat

Another “F” boat this AM. Went to Catania with Col. Bates to see and make legal arrangements for the place. Steak today. Mail from Bill & Phil, wrote Ginny & Libby.

Entry 205, August 8 Sun

Took a 30 minute test hop in 78 to check my ears. They seem pretty good now. Wrote Bill, Shadow, Egg(?) & Virginia Clar. Show this evening “Pierre of the Planes(sic),” mail from Rose Ann Marianna, Jackie(?) & mom.

Entry 206, August 9 Mon

Answered mom Marianna & Ann, still having my nose worked on, not a whole lot better. Doc says my nose is too small and when it closes up with a cold, I have had it.

Entry 207, August 10 Tue

Party night tonight.

Entry 208, August 11 Wed

Took DC from 57^th to Pantelleria then to Causeway. The island is a lot more peaceful than the last time I was over. It seems to be a very nice place with a large hanger underground. It shows at the doors where the P-38’s skip bombed the place, tho fortunately no permanent damage done. Took a P-40L (006) to Castel Benito, .40. Had Johnnie Rudolph take me to 4^th field for another Wasserman or Kahn as the army gives now.

Entry 209, August 12 Thur

Flew back to Causeway, and went with Capt. Say, Lt. Pace & Bolack (85^th FS Samuel L. Say, William N. Pace, & Charles K. Bolack) to Cape Bon, refueled and made a total hop of 3:00 back here to Palagonia. Letter from Millard & Vera.

Entry 210, August 13 Fri

Friday the 13^th and a rough day, got jumped and got 4 destroyed and 1 damage. Hennin is missing and Wadi (Morris H. Watkins) wounded in the arm from a 20mm shell that got in the cockpit. Hennin was last seen going through a cloud east of Milazzo.

Entry 211, August 14 Sat

Back on the job for a 1:20 show in 76. Dive Bombing Messina harbor, it was a level(?) bombing show. “Big Guy” was on at the show and it stunk. Wrote Millard & Vera.

Entry 212, August 15 Sun

Early morning show in 76 for 1:35, Dive Bombing shipping and Sebel (Siebel) ferries in the Straits of Messina, “Dire Straits” we have renamed them because of the most intense & accurate Ack Ack we have ever hit, even beast Pantelleria. Another 1:25 show in 83, Dive Bombing in the same place.

Entry 213, August 16 Mon

Another Dive Bombing show, 1:45 in 71 and back to the straits for another run. Things are getting pretty active there, looks like Jerry is packing out, about time. Tonight we moved in the house on the hill, named the Skeeter club. The house is owned by a baron who hasn’t used it for about 11 years or so. It is pretty nice, kept clean buy the care taker and his wife. I have taken up residence on the roof but there are many bedrooms.

Entry 214, August 17 Tue

1:50 in 77 another Dive Bombing show on some shipping near Palmi Italy. Got papers ready for commission. Show this evening “They all knew the Bride.” A wild party at the house tonight.

Entry 215, August 18 Wed

An alert but no show.

Entry 216, August 19 Thur

Mail from Ginny, mom, Marianna, Libby, Phil, Bo Stahly(?) & Boots also some papers. Wrote Ginny, mom & Marianna.

Entry 217, August 20 Fri

Off ops today so plenty of leisure.

Entry 218, August 21 Sat

Got commission papers ready for GP again, more darned red tape. A paper & a letter from Rose, wrote Bob, Boots & Phil. Went over to see Byron on Spechts (Ralph C. Specht) motorcycle.

Entry 219, August 22 Sun

Wrote Rose, an alert today but no soap.

Entry 220, August 23 Mon

Helped Zombie and Baron put a phone line between ops & the house, a lot of trouble getting it to work but did just in time for the first rain since the day we got here.

Entry 221, August 24 Tue

Received & answered mail from mom & Marianna.

Entry 222, August 25 Wed

Phone went out so we went over the whole length, about 3 miles and found a length near the main road cut out. Showed some Canadians(?) around the P-40. Mail from Ginny, Mary & Jane.

Entry 223, August 26 Thur

Wrote the answers to yesterdays mail and fixed the phone again, looks as tho someone were doing us dirt, the line was cut out just under the bridge across the main road.

Entry 224, August 27 Fri

Went with Col. Bates, Lt. Jake Chamberlain (86^th FS) & Rocky Blare (85^th FS George O. Blare) to visit H.M.S. Uranga (almost correct named) (H.M.S. Urania). Took a Cooks Tour of the tub, plenty big, plenty of Ack Ack, rather not dive on that ship. Got a pretty good buzz on but the British officers seem to get a pleasure out of getting “Yanks” pranged. Show here at the squadron tonight “Major & the Minor,” still as good as the first time.

Entry 225, August 28 Sat

Nearly a show today but got ranked out of it. Bud Hennin got back with some rum, scotch, and cherry. 85^th has a FW 190, a pretty nice looking ship. Party night tonight but I didn’t partake.

Entry 226, August 29 Sun

Rained cats & dogs today and my bed got a bit damp. Mail from mom & Marge.

Entry 227, August 30 Mon

Boys had a show but didn’t make it as usual. “Blondie’s Budget” and “Forgotten Woman” were showing tonight at the field. Answered yesterdays mail.

Entry 228, August 31 Tue

Today was on of absolute inactivity.

Entry 229, Sept 1 Wed

Wrote & received a letter from Ginny. A G.I. vaudeville show at the 85 tonight.

Entry 230, Sept 2 Thur

Ranked out of another show, never will get home at this rate. One of the new fellows Lt. W. M. Simmons (Wendell M. Simmons) & I set up a tent on the hill to be a bit drier. Doughnuts & coffee were served by some female representatives of Red Cross. 1^st class. Capt. Bane gave us plan of battle for “Avalanche.”

Entry 231, Sept 3 Fri

An early 2:10 show in 71 to Tello(?) L.G. at Corniglia Italy, Avalanche going swell. On our way up we could see where the commandos had hit at the toe of Italy, looks like a real hot job. Mail from Mary & Bill, “Sun Valley Serenade” was the current showing attraction.

Entry 232, Sept 4 Sat

Today was one causes a good case of R.A. They are making wine in the winery under the house, or rather have been for several days so there is a rotten odor of something about. After seeing the job done I have lost all taste for vineo.

Entry 233, Sept 5 Sun

“Born to Dance,” corny but entertainment at least.

Entry 234, Sept 6 Mon

Joe that works here has told us that the natives think there are Jerries in the hills near here. Ed Talmadge, some group poops and myself head out for them. After a lot of climbing around slinking up to houses & such we find that the “Jerries” are only 3 Limie soldiers that have gone over the hill. Well we tryed(sic) to get excitement, but I have had this ground war. Wrote Ginny.

Entry 235, Sept 7 Tue

Took some pants to supply for salvage.

Entry 236, Sept 8 Wed

Got a B-25 and left for Malta. Got a penthouse room at the Metropole. Malta appears to be a quite nice place, all rock & plenty of beach. Went to dance at Rock Vale, guess everyone on the island dances.

Entry 237, Sept 9 Thur

Walked around, visited Valetta(sic) and an old fort there. Plenty of hills dales(?) to see around this island. A small ferry from Selema (Sliema) to Valetta(sic). Dance this evening at Melita (Mellieha?) Tennis Court which can be seen from our front door. The court is small, many girls also many English fellows as well as Maltese.

Entry 238, Sept 10 Fri

Another day of walking around, late this afternoon the Italian fleet put in its appearance just off-shore of where we are living. A splendid sight, those fellows tryed(sic) to get here a long time but doubt it they ever planned it this way. Dance this evening and got the R.A.

Entry 239, Sept 11 Sat

Did some shopping. Took a ride around the island with some RAF fellows and had tea at an officers rest camp.

Entry 240, Sept 12 Sun

Had a hell of a fever last night, nearly froze to death. Really feel rough today, may be sand fly fever or malaria. The harbor is full of Iti ships of war. Went to the dance per usual tonight.

Entry 241, Sept 13 Mon

Another rough night, good thing we are leaving today, sure don’t want to get stuck in one of these Limey hospitals. Got ride back in nose of B-25. A lot of mail. Doc looked me over and sent me to hospital.

Entry 242, Sept 14 Tue

Another rough night, this morning I felt pretty weak, no appetite, just layed(sic) around. Zombie & Butch were in tonight. “Goose” Gossick, Jess Jory, Ken Miller (Kensley M. Miller), Porkus Anderson (Wyman D. Anderson) & Baron Berinati were supposed to leave today for the states, hope they got off.

Entry 243, Sept 15 Wed

Felt better today, shaved, Duke & Doc were around. Wrote mom.

Entry 244, Sept 16 Thur

Dressed this PM, fell quite a bit better, outfit has finally moved to Italy.

Entry 245, Sept 17, Fri

Layed(sic) around.

Entry 246, Sept 18 Sat

Same old story today.

Entry 247, Sept 19 Sun

Wrote Ginny, Bill, Phi. The hospital isn’t too bad, when I first got here I had a nurse Betty Beugare(?), a chubby pleasant gal, and probably the best looking this hospital has to offer. Now I have a Miss Rocko, not much to look at but can give a swell back rub. The hospital is a tent with about 20 or so beds, a ward boy & assistant and a nurse for the day. At night one attendant and a night nurse for all wards I guess.

Entry 248, Sept 20 Mon

A week today I got here, went to show this evening “Bachelor Mother,” machine broke down so we only saw part of it.

Entry 249, Sept 21 Tue

Took a walk this morning, pretty rough, saw the rest of the show this evening.

Entry 250, Sept 22 Wed

Discharged today, this afternoon we got an ambulance and made a vane(sic) attempt to find 12^th ASC but ended up sleeping at 324 S.G. at Catania. Not a bad spot, pretty good bunks. Saw “China Lady” at 306 Service Gp movies.

Entry 251, Sept 23 Thur

Went down to line to sweat out DC. Ran into 1^st Lt Sam Logan whom I had met at Castel Benito. He was going to Bari with gas and offered to drop us off on the way back. We circled Crotone L.G. where the outfit was supposed to be but no one home, stopped at 57^th and found the 79^th had moved to Firmo L.G. Sam brought us back to Catania and bunked out at the same spot.

Entry 252, Sept 24 Fri

Well better luck today, got another DC to Bari and he dropped us off at Firmo L.G. just as 87^th was moving out. Got on a Jeep with Bozzi (Edward M. Bozzi) and some new fellows and made a very dusty trip to Pisticci L.G. and got set up.

Entry 253, Sept 25 Sat

Went out scrounging today. Italy isn’t much I see, of course this is the poorest part of the boot but the Itis can have it. Found an old house and looked around, got some sheets. Pinkham gave me some mail from Ginny, mom, Marianna & Marge.

Entry 254, Sept 26 Sun

Went to Taranto today, 5 of us in a Jeep. Wandered around town, just looking, not a whole lot to see but interesting. Tryed(sic) to eat at a restaurant but couldn’t take the food so ended up eating Spam in the Jeep. Set up a tent to keep a bit dryer(sic). A champagne party this evening in the Culvert club, under the road to camp.

Entry 255, Sept 27 Mon

“A” party pulled out this A.M. fried chicken for supper, wrote Ginny & Marianna.

Entry 256, Sept 28 Tue

Washed some clothes & repacked. Wrote Marge, got mail late this evening from Ginny Bob & Marianna. Very windy from the sea tonight.

Entry 257, Sept 29 Wed

Took a bath at the well this morning, a little rain today.

Entry 258, Sept 30 Thur

Packed and flew 76 to new L.G. in Foggia region called L.G. Penny Post, logged .45. Set up.

Entry 259, Oct 1 Fri

Very damp here last night. This morning I went to Cigmalia(?) and looked around. The town looks like all the rest. Saw a few quite nice looking girls, this Italy may not be so bad after all. Came back and flew a 1:20 Dive Bombing escort in 88. Target was dive bombing & strafing in Campobasso area, was top cover so didn’t see much. On the next show Capt Nielsen (86^th FS Melvin J. Nielsen) was hit and forced to bail out. Set up a bibbie (bivvi?) tent which is much warmer and drier.

Entry 260, Oct 2 Sat

Finally got rest of baggage today. Flewa 1:30 strafing mission in 87. Caught four trucks on a bend in the road and let them have a long burst. When I rolled out of the pass I was headed up a hill along a road. Caught a Jerry headed up the hill on a motorcycle going like hell, gave him a short burst and that was all. Later flew a 1:40 Dive Bomber escort in 87, target was an airfield at Pescara, but fell short and bombed a harbor at Ortona. Plenty of rain today, so we set a EPIP tent and 6 of us moved in.

Entry 261, Oct 3 Sun

Censored some mail for Engineering and flew a 1:35 strafing show in 77. Went after the L.G. at Pescara again but I didn’t get a shot. 2 Vmail letters from Libby. Had a champagne party tonight and got a fine edge on.

Entry 262, Oct 4 Mon

Did some visiting at the 85 & 86. Did some phot sloshing(?) in Bennies(?) DC. Party night tonight but no thanks.

Entry 263, Oct 5 Tue

Early morning strafing mission in 78 for 1:20. At last a step up in the world today for I led an element, late in the show we found a locomotive headed for the front, ran a gunnery pattern on it until we had let all the steam out of the boiler and it rose to quite a height. Later another straffing(sic) show in 78 for 1:35 in the same area NW of Isernia. Got two flamers and a bunch of damages on some trucks on a hill. Developed some photos in the DC.

Entry 264, Oct 6 Wed

Armed recee show of .45 in 88. Hit some very bad weather and had to turn back. Later a show in 86 for 1:10 for Dive Bombing Escort, weather again so we had to come back. Mail from Lee Tabor & Jacky.

Entry 265, Oct 7 Thur

Bad day so we went to town got a hair cut and shave. Orders came for fellows to go to rest camp and probably home. Had a wild farewell party in the tent.

Entry 266, Oct 8 Fri

The fellows haven’t left as yet because of some orders. I may have Lt. Dzamba’s ship 93, talked with McAvoy (Roger J. McAvoy) one of the crew chiefs and he seems a swell fellow.

Entry 267, Oct 9 Sat

Packed and moved to Foggia #3, :15 in 74. Had a rough time getting off Penny Post in the mud but finally on the second try got off. A lot better spot and field, got set up and came the usual sprinkle. The 86 brought in their Ju88, a classy looking ship. Mail from Ginny, mom & Roseanne.

Entry 268, Oct 10 Sun

Went down and monkeyed around 93 for awhile, seems to have lost all its power. Went to Foggia and scrounged around. What hasn’t been pranged has been well taken over by the English and there was a swell job of clobbering done on the town. Put a wood floor made of pre fabricated Jerry barracks in the tent. Wrote Ginny & Lee.

Entry 269, Oct 11 Mon

Wrote Rose & Libby. Boys in the tent got a car today, may prove none too healthy. The field has a swell sod and there are plenty of remains of Ju88’s and Do217’s about that were straffed(sic) by the P-38’s.

Entry 270, Oct 12 Tue

M.P.’s are hunting for the car. Armed Recce and patrol show in 94 for 1:10. Had sat on an air alert and finally took off. Saw what was probably a Jerry about 10,000 feet above us but nothing happened.

Entry 271, Oct 13 Wed

Had a tooth X-ray taken but have to have a retake. Took laundry to Foggia, not the best looking spot but I have my fingers crossed. Boys got a stove for the tent but doesn’t work too well. Got 3 months pay and am sending $400 home P.T.A.

Entry 272, Oct 14 Thur

Worked on the tent in an attempt to get it a bit warmer. Took Cummings (Charles T. Cummings) to San Severo to get the Itis that own the car they unsuccessfully requisitioned. Got a letter from Egg(?) and answered Jacky.

Entry 273, Oct 15 Fri

Had a 1:10 escort and patrol in 93 we were to escort a couple destroyers and a captured tanker to Bari but they beat us there.

Entry 274, Oct 16 Sat

A Ju payed(sic) us a visit about 19:05 tonight the usual scratches encountered by the fellows scurrying around and hitting the slitties but no damage done. The one bomb dropped was at a convoy on the road but missed it. Cummings & Owen were in the convoy at the time. Capt Nielsen got back today.

Entry 275, Oct 17 Sun

Capt Nielsen gave us a talk on his adventures this morning. Down 20 mi behind the line and how he managed to make it back. Picked up laundry and went to Service(?) and shifted(?) around. Came back and the fellows had sides well up on the tent so we nearly finished by night.

Entry 276, Oct 18 Mon

Two shows today, a Dive Bombing job in 93 for 55 min a close support job and a town Calle D’Ancaise(?) and the second a R.R. station west of Termoli 1:00 in 87. 93 has finally had it. Tent finished today, a letter from Bill.

Entry 277, Oct 19 Tue

Bane got back from Cairo today in Monty’s DC with beer candy peanuts & hats. Fred Borsodi left today in the Ju88 bound for the good old U.S.A. via Tunis.

Entry 278, Oct 20 Wed

Flew courier today to Naples, had to look up Col McAlister so I spent some time around town. Had a quick look at town which may be OK, not bad shape. 1:00 trip in 93. Mail from mom and Anne. Some 99^th (99^th Fighter Squadron) fellows were at the E.M. club and really making that piano talk. The 99^th pilots flew in today.

Entry 279, Oct 21 Thur

Sat around all day and played some volleyball mail from Ginny and the War Ballot board, the latter was too late for any good. Al Froning of the 65^th was over and we went to the 86^th to see the boys. Wrote mom & Ginny.

Entry 280, Oct 22 Fri

A Dive Bombing show for 1:05 in 90 target was some gun positions at Montenerro (Montenero) near the bomb line. Foot lockers & “B” bags arrived by DC, Sam Logan along so spent all night. Saw “Kiss the Boys Goodbye” at group.

Entry 281, Oct 23 Sat

A Dive Bomb and strafe job in 77 for 1:00 same old stuff, target was Spineta (Spinete?) mail from Marge Phil & Marianna and Marges sister. A new pilot named Peterman (Walter G. Petermann) arrived today. There was a whale of a P-38 show at 57 this evening, quite a sight all those ships, the traffic pattern was even over our field. Sure glad I am on the right ball club.

Entry 282, Oct 24 Sun

A 1:15 Dive Bombing show on a bridge behind Jerry’s lines west of Vasto, a good show but I missed the bridge in 72. Had a cold so my ears are on the bum after the 10,000 ft dive on the target. Doc Hoffman said there were slight hemorrhages of both eardrums so until the cold gets better I am grounded. Jack Wainwright another new pilot arrived today also S/Sgt “Smokey” Donahue (Charles A. Donahue), ops clerk got back today.

Entry 283, Oct 25 Mon

Borrowed a motorcycle and went visiting, had another X-ray taken and visited the 64^th. Received one barracks of stuff from the states, had been well looted of elec. razor, toilet kit and billfold but there were warmer OD’s as well as a lot of useless junk. Doc Fernback (Irving J. Fernebok) says my teeth are OK so again I am happy. Mail from Ginny Jan and Marianna.

Entry 284, Oct 26 Tue

Wrote mom, Ginny and Jan, doc says ears are OK but had better sweat out cold.

Entry 285, Oct 27 Wed

Some fellows went on leave to Tunis with Benny in the DC. Wrote Marge & her sister, also Gene & Marianna.

Entry 286, Oct 28 Thur

Went over to the Flack House at Amalphi (Amalfi) with George Lee and S/Sgt Eckleberger (Dale K. Eckelbarger). Wandered around town which wasn’t much. The town is built on the side of a hill and is very picturesque by the water side. The shore line along here is nearly vertical and the roads are practically stuck on the cliffs. Stayed all night at the Flack House.

Entry 287, Oct 29 Fri

Geo picked up a car with a lot of smooth talking, a very nice convertable(sic). Needed some fixing but soon had it going. It a lot of rain on the way back as we had going over. Letter from Ginny when I got back.

Entry 288, Oct 30 Sat

Weather cold and damp today.

Entry 289, Oct 31 Sun

Weather quite the same, not at all good for colds but will have to make the best of it. Saw “Star Spangled Rhythm,” a darned good show.

Entry 290, Nov 1 Mon

Curior(sic) to Naples again, 1:00 in 93. Had quite a job finding party so finally gave up. A whole lot of P-38’s came in late this evening so we had some wild night landings. Some plenty rough but made it OK. Put up some of the pilots for the night.

Entry 291, Nov 2 Tue

A 1:15 show in 87, Dive Bombed the sloops(?) east of Dogiola (Dogliola?). The 38’s went on an escort job to ME (Messerschmitt) plant in Austria. One B-17 landed here, waist gunner had been clobbered by Ack-Ack. They can have those bombers. A wild night and by the sounds of traffic there must be a night flying school nearby.

Entry 292, Nov 3 Wed

Todays first show might have been something for on the way back I had a free seat to a Dive Bombing show of about 50 FW190’s. Some of the fellows nearly got some of that stuff but missed it. I was too far away for any good. It was a 1:05 show in 77 Dive bombing a road junction south of Vasto. Encore for 1:10 in 78. Mail from Marge.

Entry 293, Nov 4 Thur

Plenty cold today, some more papers, wrote Marge, Marianna & Phil. Worked on my primus stove all day.

Entry 294, Nov 5 Fri

Bud Hennin left hoping to keep going until he gets back to the states.

Entry 295, Nov 6 Sat

A quiet day but a cold night.

Entry 296, Nov 7 Sun

1:20 show in 74, supposed to be a Dive Bombing show but target was weathered in so we only dodged Ack Ack show was SNAFU, led a flight. Some of the fellows got the 8^th Army, at least I am sure where mine went. Worked on a stove most of the day.

Entry 297, Nov 8 Mon

1:20 armed recce (reconnaissance) in 86, my 50^th mission and picked up my first hole, that fellow shooting over Pescara is a pretty good shot. Colder than a nuns kiss tonight, worked all day on a stove but doesn’t put out too well, so sat around the club soaking up heat.

Entry 298, Nov 9 Tue

Stove works in a fashion but not much heat either inside or out, very windy.

Entry 299, Nov 10 Wed

Cold and rainy today, put in an entirely new heating system which is a wall(?) stove out of the club. Mail from A.J. Hunter, Ginny and Virginia Clark. Party night tonight with turkey sandwiches. Wings and this blue and gold bar a year old today.

Entry 300, Nov 11 Thur

A 1:25 show in 92, supposed to be Dive Bombing but target was overcast and we missed it and ended up about 25 mi from Rome, close enough so we could see it, looks like another Wog town. Mail from the kids, Ginny and Delta Service command about baggage, there goes a barracks bag and a bed roll.

Entry 301, Nov 12 Fri

Sun out today and a little warmer. Pinkham, Watkins Jaslow and Morrison left for home today. Pinkie promised to call mom when he makes it. Show this evening, “You can’t fool your wife” and “blank.

Entry 302, Nov 13 Sat

Payed(sic) again today, plan to send another $400 home by PTA as soon as it is ready to go. Cummings got back today with photos he had developed for me.

Entry 303, Nov 14 Sun

Got the PTA for $400 off today. Cpl Ford (Robert Q. Ford) of communications was killed today on a motorcycle while on his way to San Severo. Beck (John L. Beck) got pretty drunk tonight and we had a heck of a job getting him to bed. Wrote the kids.

Entry 304, Nov 15 Mon

Sweat out a show but weather kept us on the ground. Started work on a new runway for the field. Funeral held this PM for Ford, would have gone but this “almost” show prevented it. Wrote Virginia Clark.

Entry 395, Nov 16 Tue

A 1:45 strafing show in my new ship 82, also led my first shot. Found nothing in target area north of Pescara-Popoli road. Plenty of Ack-Ack however, got another hole today, this time in the prop spinner. Peterman (Petermann) got hit and lost his oil but made it back OK. Wrote Ginny.

Entry 396, Nov 17 Wed

Cold, dreary and damp today. The weather is really moving in bad. Some DC fellow stayed overnight.

Entry 397, Nov 18 Thur

The rumor was around that Duke was leaving, but that was yesterday. In style true to him he packed up and finally let us in on the fact that he was leaving and he had left before we hardly known what was happening. Col Grogan also left today. Lt. George Lee has taken over in Maj Uhrich’s place, he has a big shoe to fill but can make it I guess. F/O Clinton “Butch” Owens is now Ops officer, hope he makes it out OK. Mail from Melvin Jane and Marge, answered Jane. Got Xmas cards from orderly room, a bit corny but the best we have.

Entry 308, Nov 19 Fri

A 1:20 Dive Bomb show in 78, the target was overcast so we did no good. The weather is strickly stinko and probably will be for some time. “A” party pulled out this morning for a new field near Termoli. Mail from Ginny, mom, Boots, Marianna and Phil. Xmas packages are starting to arrive. Was honored (?) by Asst Ops. officer.

Entry 309, Nov 20 Sat

Rained cats and dogs all day. Went to Foggia and took a good hot shower. I’ll swear it was the best one I ever had. Mailed a few Xmas cards.

Entry 310, Nov 21 Sun

A early show in 95 for 1:20 Dive Bombing. Target was some big guns South West of Ortona. Returned and landed in the rain and spent most of the day raining. Xmas package from mom.

Entry 311, Nov 22 Mon

A 1:05 Dive Bombing show in 82, target was some gun emplacements South West of Ortona. Packed up and moved to a very muddy field east of Termoli 20 min. The runway is a metal strip job with ships parked nose to tail, some mess, be we were chased out of Foggia #3 or Salsola. Set up.

Entry 312, Nov 23 Tue

Worked on the side walls of the tent while it rained off and on most of the day so it was not too pleasant to work in. The place is cold and damp with a great quantity of mud all around.

Entry 313, Nov 24 Wed

Packed to get ready to go to rest camp. No rain for a change so it was started to dry out. Cummings got back from Bari.

Entry 314, Nov 25 Thur

Ed Tallmadge, Ralph Specht, Wendell Simmons and myself left in a Jeep. With plenty of cold rain we finally hit Campobasso. The roads this route are out so we have to return and continue trip via Foggia. Stayed at a Canadian rest camp over night, a rough bunch of party men but a lot of fun.

Entry 315, Nov 26 Fri

A all days trip and much better day than yesterday, cold but clear so the roads were dry. Finally got to Naples and stayed at a PBS hotel. Jerry visited town tonight a good long visit of over an hour. Stayed in a, the PBS hotel, was a old folks home.

Entry 316, Nov 27 Sat

Checked out of the old folks home and made necessary arrangements to get to Capri. Ran into Col. Snowden once of 79^th Gp. and he invited us to his home for the night. Specht and I went to Pompai(Pompei) for the look, not much, a lot of old rocks and what the people say was an old town. Strictly wog. Went to the show this evening “The Misterious(sic) Doctor,” a English picture and not too hot.

Entry 317, Nov 28 Sun

Up early and caught the boat to Capri, met a couple nurses Fannie and Ann. Got a room at the rest camp with the girls and some other fellows had a pretty good time. The hotel is on a hill with a beach view, good food and a good bed. Today I am a man, twenty one years old, and don’t feel a bit older than before.

Several entries missing and don’t resume until partway in Entry 324, Dec 5 Sun:

…something, should be nice and warm, possably(sic) too good.

Entry 325, Dec 6 Mon

The sleeping sack was certainly too warm. A very bad day all day, so sat around and wrote letters Xmas package from Florence Reynolds. Sworn in as a 2^nd Lt at Gp. today.

Entry 326, Dec 7 Tue

Had a .50 show in 93, but had to turn back because of coolant difficulties. The rest of the fellows followed suit because of bad weather. Had a dentist look over my teeth and clean them up a bit. Somewhere I have picked up a beautiful rash, itches slightly but don’t know what it could be. Read awhile this evening.

Entry 327, Dec 8 Wed

Busy 3 show day, 1^st a 1:10 Dive bombing show in 93, target was road in Orsogna, 2^nd show was another 1:10 in 77 with the same target. 3^rd was also a Dive Bomb show of 1:00 in 84. Target some machine gun positions near Villamagna. As usual no results noted on any shows.

Entry 328, Dec 9 Thur

Another 3 show day 1:10 Dive Bomb show in 93 target was the old spot at Orsogna, second 1:15 in 93 on some gun positions south of Ortona, the last was a 1:35 Dive Bomb on some gun positions near Tollo same old 93. Got slightly singed by the stove.

Entry 329, Dec 10 Fri

Only two shows today, 1:10 Dive bombing gun positions near Miglianico in 74 and a Dive Bomb and strafe some MT (motor transport) and gun positions north of Filetto 1:30 in 93 feeling pretty tired so slept out the third show.

This was the last entry in Lt. Allen’s diary, although it appears that one for Dec. 11, Sat, was torn out. He flew on an armed recee mission to the Chieti area on Dec. 12 and was last seen by another pilot making a turn from north to south, north of the Pescara-Chieti road, with bombs still on his P-40. He never returned to the airfield and no trace of him or his airplane ever turned up. Initially listed as MIA, Lt. Burke Allen’s status was changed to KIA.