B-29 Training in Kansas By Dr. Yates C. Smith

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1 B-29 Training in Kansas By Dr. Yates C. Smith Special Order #8, dated Sept. 27 th 1943 (Monday) - Headquarters, established the 468 th Bombardment Group (H), Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, Kansas. I was assigned to the 795 th Bomb Squadron. There were 3 other B-29 Groups training in Kansas. They were the 40 th Bomb Group at Pratt, Kansas, 444 th Bomb Group at Great Bend, Kansas, and the 462 nd Bomb Group at Walker, Kansas. In 1943 the population of Salina, Kansas was approximately 25,000. According to the Salina Chamber of Commerce, the population was 21,018 in It was my first chance to see a B-29. I thought it was the biggest thing I had ever seen in fact it was the biggest thing I had seen flying. There were 4 squadrons in the 468 th Bomb Group. They were the 792 nd, 793 rd, 794 th, and the 795 th. Our Commanding Officer of the 795 th was Major Henry R. Sullivan, a West Point graduate. He was very strict, but very fair. Henry R. Sullivan Bio My 2 nd Lieutenant pay as of Oct. 1 st, 1943 (Friday) was $150/month base pay with an additional $75/month for flight pay. As I was married, and living off base, I collected $42/month for meals and $60/month for housing. It came to a grand total of $327/month. There were 4 hangers on the flight line. They were only large enough to get the front end of a B-29 inside. They had devised a way of shutting the hanger doors around the fuselage with the tail sticking out. It did provide some protection to those who were working on the planes. With the bitter cold of , it made all operational problems a lot worse. The only consolation in flying the B-29 was that we did have adequate heat in the pressurized cabins. We were also issued electric heating suits. When we flew in B-17s, it was a little more uncomfortable. Those electric suits were made like an one pieced suit of long johns. They also had a pair of socks that plugged at each leg and gloves that plugged into each sleeve. The only problem with that arrangement was if we had to bail out, all of the electric gloves and boots would strip off. We would then have frostbitten hands and feet. There was not enough room to put shoes and gloves on over these electric gloves and shoes. We just had to have on leather boots and gloves, in case we had to bail out Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 1

We had about 5 B-29's in the 4 squadrons. Those were estimated to cost at least $1,000,000 each. Due to the shortage of B-29s, we did most of our crew training in B-17's.

2 We had about 5 B-29's in the 4 squadrons. Those were estimated to cost at least $1,000,000 each. Due to the shortage of B-29s, we did most of our crew training in B-17's. The B-29's were used mainly for pilot instructions. It was during October 1943 that a B-29 ( ) crashed on takeoff and burned. Major Warren Chittum was a 795 th instructor pilot with a new crew. They were practicing 3 engine take-offs with the #3 engine windmilling when #4 engine quit. There were no survivors other than the tail gunner, a man named Oscar Bolt. This was the first B-29 assigned to the 795 th Bomb Squadron. Boeing B Photo courtesy of Air Force Historical Research Agency, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL ` There were some Martin Marauder B-26s used for pilot training. The B-26s had a tricycle landing gear similar to the B-29s. The B-26 was usually referred to as the Flying Prostitute, because of its short wings and it had no visible means of support. The B-26 was one of the hottest flying planes in the Air Corp. One B-26 pilot told me if it was doing 150 MPH, to watch out anything could happen - it could stall, land, or cruise at 150 MPH. When I first arrived at Smoky Hill, I lived in the BOQ (Bachelor Officer Quarters) - as my wife Evelyn left Casper, and returned to Memphis. She was probably staying at 909 Brower with Mr. & Mrs. Bloodworth. I came back to BOQ one afternoon, and saw a man sitting on a bunk who appeared to be about 5' 8" with no shirt, but he did have on pants. I asked him, "When did you arrive"? He said, "This morning". I just casually mentioned 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 2

to him, "If you are behind on flying, you will catch up here". We had been flying quite a bit in B-17s. The next day, Major Sullivan saw me in Squadron Operations.

3 to him, "If you are behind on flying, you will catch up here". We had been flying quite a bit in B-17s. The next day, Major Sullivan saw me in Squadron Operations. "I want to introduce you to your new pilot, this is Major George." It was the same small man I had seen the day before in the BOQ. I looked up at the status board, and there his name appeared with over 2,000 hours of 4 engine time. Major George just looked at me and smiled. It was then I found it was best to find out something about whom you were talking to before you said anything. Major Walter R. George Photo by Dr. Yates C. Smith Major Walter R. George, Orlando, FL was a very good pilot. He seemed to think things out logically in an emergency. He seemed to always come up with the right decision in a very short period of time. 2 nd Lt. Harry Olsen, Alameda, CA was our Co-Pilot. He was married and his wife Miriam was with him at Salina. Harry had been a B-24 instructor Pilot at Carswell Army Air Base at Ft. Worth, TX. Our Flight Engineer was 2 nd Lt. Winston J. Fisher, from Detroit, MI. Our Navigator was 1 st Lt. Norman L. Watkins, Los Angeles, CA. Watkins was a little older than most of us, and had been a naval Navigator on the U.S.S. Lines. He had navigated ships all over the world. Norman had been a navigational instructor at Hondo Navigation School before being assigned to our crew. The Radar Operator was Sgt. Wagner. He did not fly to India with us, but joined us after we got to Kharagpur. Wagner traveled by boat from the United States to India Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 3

Left to right: Watkins, Wilfinger, Olsen, Fisher, Smith and George From the collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith Our Radio Operator was Hugh T. Poindexter, Cleburne, TX.

Right Gunner was George Stanisich, Jackson, CA. Tail Gunner was Paul E. Gains, Youngstown, OH. On the trip overseas, Master Sgt. Pat Rogers, Tucson, AZ, our crew chief, flew with us.

4 Left to right: Watkins, Wilfinger, Olsen, Fisher, Smith and George From the collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith Our Radio Operator was Hugh T. Poindexter, Cleburne, TX. Poindexter was with the Army Corps of Engineers before entering the Service. Our Senior Gunner was Harold E. Elliott, Guthrie, OK. Left Gunner was Vernon Ode, Los Angeles, CA. Right Gunner was George Stanisich, Jackson, CA. Tail Gunner was Paul E. Gains, Youngstown, OH. On the trip overseas, Master Sgt. Pat Rogers, Tucson, AZ, our crew chief, flew with us. He was in charge of all maintenance on ( The Challenger ). Nearly all of the enlisted men were 3 striped Sergeants. This is a photo taken of our enlisted men in either May or June 1945, Tinian. Left to right are: George Stanisich, Robert J. Metzger, Paul Gains, Harold H. Elliott, Hugh T. Poindexter and Vernon Ode. From the collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 4

5 We were even short of B-17's for training purposes. On Special Orders #20, dated October 12 th 1943 (Tuesday), Headquarters, 468 th Bombardment Group (H), Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, KS, I was ordered to fly with Major Henry R. Sullivan, 2 nd Lt. James Rutledge, M/Sgt. Patrick J. Rogers, and T/Sgt. Willis A White, Jr. to take 2 nd Lt. Charles A. White, 2 nd Lt. Raymond L. Boardman, F/O Thomas M. Rybovich, and S/Sgt. Robert L. Smith to Alexander, LA Air Base to pick up another B-17, and ferry it back to Salina, KS. We left Smoky Hill Air Field on Oct. 9 th 1943 (Saturday), and I flew down as Major Sullivan's navigator in B-17 #130. I remained with the second crew to navigate them back in B-17 #111 the next day. Walter George and his crew with the Eager Beaver, a B-17 assigned to the 468 th Bomb Group for training purposes From the collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith Someone decided to go into Alexandria, and see the town before going back the next day. When we got in town, we found 2 Infantry divisions were having maneuvers in Alexandria. Alexandria was the home town for Ft. Polk, and three other infantry bases besides Alexandria Army Air Field, where we had landed. (The base was later renamed England Air Force Base.) When we got to town, there were soldiers everywhere you looked. They were in people's yards, streets, parks, and alleys. It looked like a Norman Rockwell drawing. We went in a beer joint, and they were 3 and 4 deep at the bar. With all of this, it did not take us long to make a decision, and return to the base for a drink at the Officers Club. We returned the next day in B-17 #111 to Salina, KS. I thought it would be best if Evelyn could come to Salina in fall of I contacted the First Presbyterian Church to see if they knew of anyone who might have a place where we could live. They advised me to contact Mr. & Mrs. Roy E. Clark, 115 E. Bond, who 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 5

were members of that church. When I contacted them, they were very nice. They let us have an upstairs bedroom, and let Evelyn have breakfast privileges.

6 were members of that church. When I contacted them, they were very nice. They let us have an upstairs bedroom, and let Evelyn have breakfast privileges. As I was busy at the base, I would usually come to town for the evening meal, and stay until I caught the bus for the base the next morning. There were 4 Flight Surgeons in the 468 th Bomb Group, one for each Squadron. They were all Captains with MD degrees, and were on flight status. The 792 nd Squadron had Captain Howard, 793 rd Squadron had Captain Mitchell, 794 th Squadron had Captain Johnson, and the 795 th Squadron had Captain John Q. Rounsaville. (This information was supplied by Doctor Mitchell on Sept. 16, 1994 at the Dayton, OH Reunion.) Capt. John Q. Rounsaville 795 th; Capt. Johnson 794 th; Capt. Howard 792 nd; Capt. Mitchell rd Photo by Dr. Yates C. Smith During World War II, one of the prized possessions of anyone who smoked was his Zippo lighter. On one occasion, I had to visit the 795 th Squadron Dispensary. Dr. John Rounsaville had leaned over and his Zippo lighter had fallen out of his shirt pocket into the commode. He was guarding the commode until a plumber from Base Engineering could arrive. The commode had to be taken up, and turned over to recover the Zippo lighter. John Rounsaville was guarding the commode until he could get his lighter, and would not let anyone flush it Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 6

7 One afternoon on the base, I was in the BOQ, and I developed extreme abdominal pains. I was trying to make it to the Squadron Infirmary. There I had my first meeting with Dr. John Q. Rounsaville, our Squadron Flight Surgeon. It happened at 5 p.m. on Oct. 13 th 1943 (Wednesday). I was trying to get into the Infirmary before retreat caught me on the street. John diagnosed it as acute appendicitis, and sent me by an ambulance to the Base Hospital. I was admitted, and sent to a room. After a few tests, I went into the operating room at 8 p.m. and returned about 8:30 p.m. The operation was performed by Capt. J. N. Round. They had notified Evelyn of my condition, and the results of the operation. I don't remember if she made it out to the base that night or not. It was my first major surgery. It was done with a spinal. I was half knocked out, but I could see in the large reflector overhead the whole operation. At the time of the operation, we were not allowed to get up the next day as they do now. So, I spent about 3 or 4 days in bed before they let me up. I was dismissed from the Base Hospital on Nov. 1 st 1943 (Monday). On Special Order #35, dated Nov. 1 st 1943, Headquarters, 468 th Bombardment Group (H), Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, KS, I was granted a 15 day sick leave effective Nov. 3 rd 1943 (Wednesday). Evelyn and I went by train from Salina, KS to Memphis, TN for the sick leave. Evelyn and I returned by train from Memphis to Salina on Nov. 18 th 1943 (Thursday). Evelyn and I spent Christmas at Salina, Kansas at the Bond's home. MY DIARY January 1 st 1944 (Saturday) - Spent all day with Evelyn at home at 115 East Bond. Read a book, "Crime File #4". Very good book. Trying to get over the flu. Didn't go out last night. Read "Thirty Seconds over Tokyo" last night. January 2 nd 1944 (Sunday) Stayed in bed until 11 am. Got up, and cleaned up. Evelyn and I went to see "What a Woman" with Rosalyn Russell, Brian Ahearn. We ate dinner, and came home. Wrote some letters. January 3 rd 1944 (Monday) - Got up at 5:30 am. Went to Base on a city bus, but didn't fly. Went to Ground school. January 4 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Got up at 5:30 am. Went to base, but didn't fly, and went to ground school. January 5 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Got up at 7:30 am. Went to base, but didn't fly, and went to ground school. Saw some training films. Came home about 4:15 pm. Slept until 7:30 pm, and ate at home. January 6 th 1944 (Thursday) - Got up at 5:30 am, went to base on a city bus. Didn't fly, but went to ground school. Was scheduled to fly in a B-17 #130. It was due out of 100- hour inspection. Major George took it up, and it had a runaway turbo-supercharger on takeoff. Supposed to bomb at high altitude. We had a 10,000 foot ceiling. Major George flew instruments for 3:15 at 8,000 feet. Osage target was not lighted. Landed at 2400 hours. Had an under-cast from 3,700 to 2,200, and made an instrument let down Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 7

8 January 7 th 1944 (Friday) - Got up at 8 am. Went to base, and started school at 10:00. Went to school all day, and came home. Didn't do much. January 8 th 1944 (Saturday) - Got up at 6:30 am, and went to base at 7:30 am. Officers were called to Base Theater at 9:30 am to hear Capt. Johnson tell of his escape from an Italian prisoner of war camp. He was introduced by Lt. Limirek from Washington Intelligence. Johnson was shot down in his P-40 near Sardinia, and was in the water for 22 hours. Went on 24 hour pass at noon. Have to be out in the morning at 9 am to go through the pressure chamber. Life is hell this way. January 9 th 1944 (Sunday) - During the high altitude pressure check, Olsen passes out at 38,000 feet with a defective oxygen face mask. After the pressure check, I was supposed to have a pass from noon Sunday until noon Monday, but had to fly with Capt. Fouts, Lt. Pulaski, and Lt. Runt on a 7 hour and 40 minute mission. It was a Group S-2 mission from Salina, KS, to Topeka, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Amarillo, and back to Salina. Got to bed at 12:45 am, very sleepy, and tired. January 10 th 1944 (Monday) - Had to get up at 5 am. Went to base and flew a high altitude formation bombing mission. Very good hits with 2 middle bombs having a 150 foot C.E. unconverted. Then went to ground school. I was supposed to fly a night formation navigation flight tonight, which was canceled as the B-17 was out of order. Sure was glad. Don t like night formation flying and being that close to other planes. January 11 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Got up at 8 am, and went to base on city bus. Had a crew meeting at 8:30 am to 10 am. Flew B in the afternoon on a gunnery mission at Cheyenne Bottoms. This was the first time I had flown in a B-29. That was all for another busy day. B , later named the Esso Express, before gun turrets were installed. Photo supplied by A.D. Coan 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 8

From the collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith January 12 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Got to base for an alert at 6:15 am. Our B-17 lost an engine on take-off.

Had to change plugs on #1 and #2 engines, and install a new prop on #3. I was supposed to fly tonight, but that was canceled due to #055 redlining. I bought my first pair of G.I. shoes.

Chicken shit, I would say. Had 2 hours of Celestial navigation school. Had one hour of field stripping my 45 automatic. Flew for 4 hours and dropped 5 bombs. Couldn't see target for the snow. Had a C.

Didn't fly, but went to ground school. Started flying to Minneapolis, MN, but had to turn back at Omaha due to engine failure. Was supposed to get off until 10 a.m. tomorrow, but Major George said to be out for an 8 am inspection.

Flew a long range mission for 7:55 this afternoon. Major George told us to be out in the morning at 10:00. January 16 th 1944 (Sunday) - Got up at 8 am. Evelyn and I fixed breakfast.

9 From the collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith January 12 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Got to base for an alert at 6:15 am. Our B-17 lost an engine on take-off. #1 and #2 had bad plugs, and the ring cowl on #3 came loose and was turning with the propeller. Major George cut power in time to stop before we got to the end of the runway. Had to change plugs on #1 and #2 engines, and install a new prop on #3. I was supposed to fly tonight, but that was canceled due to #055 redlining. I bought my first pair of G.I. shoes. Am sleepy, and am going to bed. January 13 th 1944 (Thursday) - Had an alert at 8:30 am, but I was about 3 minutes late. Told I am on probation. Another late and I am restricted. Chicken shit, I would say. Had 2 hours of Celestial navigation school. Had one hour of field stripping my 45 automatic. Flew for 4 hours and dropped 5 bombs. Couldn't see target for the snow. Had a C.E. of 189 corrected. Am not scheduled to fly tomorrow, but have to be out for early morning alert. Also Chicken shit! January 14 th 1944 (Friday) - Got up at 5:30 am, and took a city bus to base. Didn't fly, but went to ground school. Started flying to Minneapolis, MN, but had to turn back at Omaha due to engine failure. Was supposed to get off until 10 a.m. tomorrow, but Major George said to be out for an 8 am inspection. January 15 th 1944 (Saturday) - Had an inspection at 08:30. Col. Sullivan said I should get Lt. bars and the Air Corp insignia on my overcoat. Made officers call, and a Bombardier- Navigators meeting. Flew a long range mission for 7:55 this afternoon. Major George told us to be out in the morning at 10:00. January 16 th 1944 (Sunday) - Got up at 8 am. Evelyn and I fixed breakfast. Was at the base at 10:00. Major George told us we could go on pass until noon tomorrow. Evelyn and I made some pictures at 115 E. Bond on the inside and out. Evelyn and I went to see, "Thousands Cheer" with Katherine Grayson and Gene Kelly. January 17 th 1944 (Monday) - Evelyn and I got up late. Had to go to town to leave some shoes. Had to go to the field. Had blinker code, synthetic gunnery. Went to town, and got my shoes. Had to report to base at 17:30 for celestial navigational trainer. Flunked 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 9

10 mission #6 again. January 18 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Got up at 05:00, and took a city bus to base. Found out I was not scheduled to fly as Major George and a skeleton crew took a B-29 to the Birmingham, AL modification center. Had 2 hours on bomb trainer. Had a celestial navigation class, and a Bombardier-Navigators meeting. Also was supposed to go to PT for one hour. Was not scheduled to fly tonight. January 19 th 1944 (Wednesday) - No entry in diary. January 20 th 1944 (Thursday) - Norman Watkins and I bombed the Osage range in B-17 #111. Had a hard time finding target due to snow. January 21 st 1944 (Friday) - Watkins and I bombed the Osage range. Flew to Lawton, OK and back to Osage. I got the bends, and couldn't bomb. Watkins dropped the bombs. Night celestial navigation to Lawton in B-17 #280. January 22 nd 1944 (Saturday) - Had an inspection. Col. Sullivan told me to get Air Corps insignia and Lt. bars on my short coat. Had a pass from Saturday noon until Sunday noon. January 23 rd 1944 (Sunday) - Reported at noon, but didn't do much. January 24 th 1944 (Monday) - Same old thing ground school all day long. Major George took a skeleton crew and flew a B-29 to Birmingham modification center. I did not fly with them. January 25 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Bombed the Pratt ranges #1 and #2 at 20,000 feet in B-17 #111. Dropped 8 bombs - only 2 inside the 500 foot circle. Reported a malfunction. Think it was bad brushes in vertical gyro in bomb sight. January 26 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Was supposed to get checked out as a combat bombardier by Lt. Sherwood. Malfunction in bombsight, rate gear broken. Swing compass, and calibrate in B-17 #130. January 27 th and 28 th 1994 (Thursday & Friday) - Had a rest, no flying for the 27 th or the 28 th. Nice to get a break. January 29 th 1944 (Saturday) - Had to get up at 4:15 am. Wing mission at 5:40 am. Flew in B-17 #280 from Salina, to Dodge City, KS, to Pueblo, CO, and returned. Was supposed to drop 3 bombs on Kannapolis range. Forgot to turn on the bomb rack switch. No bombs dropped. Never will live that down. January 30 th 1944 (Sunday) - Was supposed to be off from Saturday noon to Sunday noon. Had to stand by to fly Saturday night and we didn't fly, so lost half of the day off again. Had to report at 13:15 today. January 31 st 1944 (Monday) - Got paid today. Bought Evelyn a train ticket home. Didn't do much, and Olsen brought me from the base to 115 E. Bond Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 10

February 1 st 1944 (Tuesday) - Was supposed to fly this afternoon, but was canceled as #2 engine was running rough. Scheduled to fly slow time B-17 #111 in the morning.

11 February 1 st 1944 (Tuesday) - Was supposed to fly this afternoon, but was canceled as #2 engine was running rough. Scheduled to fly slow time B-17 #111 in the morning. February 2 nd 1944 (Wednesday) - We slow timed B-17 #111 for 1:15 this morning. Did nothing but just ride around, and enjoy ourselves. Flew a long range mission in B from Salina, KS to Bismarck, ND to Denver, CO, and returned. Got to bed about 5:30 am. Evelyn is very lovely to sleep with. February 3 rd 1944 (Thursday) - Flew to Oklahoma City Material Depot this afternoon in B- 17 #111. Picked up some tires and tubes for a P-47 at Salina. It took us 1:40 to fly to Oklahoma City from Salina. We camera bombed Wichita, KS, and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City. Took 1:45 to come back. February 4 th 1944 (Friday) - Well, I had a pretty good day today. Did nothing but ground school. Did fly a bombing mission in B-17 #280 for 5:05 at Osage range at 20,000 feet. Dropped one bomb off the range. I have all the luck - bad luck. February 5 th 1944 (Saturday) - Major George made the crew fly B-17 #111 to Orlando today after he had told us we could be off, so I could not be with Evelyn. He made us go to Orlando instead of Miami. Figured if he could go home, I could fly over my home, so I got 60 miles off course to the left, and flew over my home at 23,000 feet. It took us 6 hours to go from Salina to Orlando. We spent the night at the San Juan Hotel. Olsen and Fisher were in one room. Watkins and I were in another room. Fisher and Olsen were sacked out in the middle of the night, when the house detective banged on their door, and demanded they get the woman out of their room. Fisher and Olsen looked around, and saw a woman sacked out on the sofa. They woke her, and threw her out, so they could get some sleep. They never did figure out how she got in their room Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 11

12 February 6 th 1944 (Sunday) - We took off at 11:30 am from Orlando, and flew across the Gulf of Mexico to Brownsville, TX, and then to Oklahoma City, OK non-stop. We dropped practice bombs in the Gulf. First time I had seen any big body of water. We ate at Oklahoma City. Flew for 1:35 from Oklahoma City to Salina. Got to bed at 1:45 am on Monday morning. Evelyn knew she had to leave for home, but was very brave. February 7 th 1944 (Monday) - Well, this was the worst day of them all. Evelyn and I got up at 8 am. Mrs. Clarke fixed our breakfast...grapefruit segments, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, and cocoa. Mr. Clarke came home from his shop, and took Evelyn and me to the train station. They are the best folks we have lived with. After Evelyn left, returned to the Clarke's house, and packed up most of my clothes. Took them to the base BOQ. Didn't fly all day. February 8 th 1944 (Tuesday) - We were not scheduled to fly in the morning, but were supposed to fly in B at night was late coming in off a cross-country flight. By the time they loaded ten 500 general purpose bombs, we got to fly at 1:45 am. The lights were out on the Osage Range, so we didn't bomb. February 9 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Didn't fly today, and another day of rest. February 10 th 1944 (Thursday) - Same as yesterday. Something is wrong, or somebody is slipping. February 11 th 1944 (Friday) - Qualified as a Marksman on the 45 automatic pistol. Had to qualify on the pistol before going overseas. Flew a mission tonight after waiting for the plane to return. Were late taking off. Flew to someplace in Oklahoma and returned. Were supposed to do celestial navigation, but Watkins forgot the navigation tables, so we did pilotage all the way around. Major George thought we did celestial. February 12 th and 13 th 1944 (Saturday-Sunday) - These two days were like February 9 th and 10 th Nothing to do except sweat out flights which never come through. February 14 th 1944 (Monday) - Sgt. Wagner, our Radar Operator got married on Feb. 12 th. Poindexter and I were in no good condition. We went to Wichita Sunday morning, and got back to Salina in time to sweat out a flight in a B-29. It snowed. This morning I flew and had to wait until the runways were cleared. We finally got off, and target was closed due to snow. First time in a B-29 at 20,000 feet. Made 6 camera runs on bomb range. When we flew in B-17's on long range bombing missions, our lunches would freeze solid, and couldn't be eaten. Poindexter, our radio operator, would put our sandwiches next to the radio converter to thaw them out. We did some high altitude bombing on the Potawatomie bomb range east of Salina. It was extremely cold in a B-17 on these flights. We did not have enough B-29s to get much practice in them. The winter of was one of the coldest on record at Salina. On one of our night bombing missions, I told Major George not to turn, but to hold the plane level. Major George told me he was holding it level. It was because I was suffering vertigo, and was disorientated Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 12

13 The engines for the B-29 were R-3350 double row 18 cylinder radial made by Wright Aeronautical. They were rated at 2,200 horsepower each. Wright had built a R-1850 single row 9 cylinder for the B-17, but it was their first production model of a double row 18 cylinder engine. There were 36 spark plugs to change on each engine. We had problems from the beginning with engine fires, engines overheating, malfunctioning prop governors, broken valves, and bad carburetors fires. We were forever having to change engines. If we could get 100 flying hours out of an engine, we had accomplished something. Wright R3350 engine February 15 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Got down to flight line at 8:30 am. Had the bomb trainer from 10:30-11:30 am. Sweated out a flight this afternoon. Took a physical fitness test this afternoon. Guess I will be sore tomorrow. February 16 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Morning flight canceled due to snow storm. Went to ground school in the afternoon. No flying this night in B-17 due to conditions of runways. Olsen, Watkins, Fisher and I went to a show on Post. (At this time, I weigh 170 pounds, had a 33 inch chest, and a 30 inch waist.) It was during this snowstorm, I went with 2 or 3 other officers in the BOQ to the Brookville Hotel. The old Hotel was located west of Salina on Kansas state route 140. It was originally a hotel used for boarding railroad crews. The hotel had become famous for fried chicken dinners for a long time. We drove in a snow storm to eat there. We arrived just before they closed for the night. After eating a fried chicken dinner, we were able to purchase some of the chicken they had left over for the day. It was so good we brought some of the fried chicken back to the BOQ for the next day. It was so cold we were able to keep the extra chicken in the BOQ. Brookville Hotel, Salina, KS 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 13

14 The Story of The Billy Mitchell Group February 17th 1944 (Thursday) - Didn't do much today. Sweated out a flight all afternoon, and then went to town with Poindexter. Poindexter and I went to a picture show and saw "Beyond the Blue Horizon" with Dorothy Lamour, and "Something to Shout About" with Don Ameche, Janet Blair, Corbina Wright Jr., and Jack Oakie. Poindexter, our radio operator, asked me, Lt. whatt do you think I ought to do about my 1941 Buick? Should I sell, or keep it until I get back from overseas? overseas? I told him, You ought to keep it. it If you sell it, you might lose the money. That was when he told me, I still have the money from the airplane ne I sold. Don t know why he asked me a question, as he already had more money than I had. Got my zipper bag with my summer clothes, and some candy from Evelyn, and a cake from Mother. February 18th through 22nd 1944 (Friday-Tuesday) - No entries in diary. February 23rd 1944 (Wednesday) - Major George had received our new B ( ) (42 today from the Wichita Boeing plant today. Looks like it is really a good ship. B The Challenger From the collectio collection of Dr. Yates C. Smith 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 14

15 February 24 th through 28 th 1944 (Thursday-Monday) - No entries in diary. February 29 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Today is Leap Year Day. My promotion to 1st Lt. was dated today. Just my luck, I will not be able to celebrate it for 4 years. There were two others in my Squadron who were promoted to 1st Lt., however their orders were dated March 1st, so I outranked them by one day. March 1 st 1944 (Wednesday) - Have been married a year today, and loved every minute of it. March 2 nd and 3 rd 1944 (Thursday-Friday) - No entries in diary. March 4 th 1944 (Saturday) - Got my 1st Lt. pay today, and really glad to get $367 a month now. March 5 th 1944 (Sunday) - Had to drill this morning, but got off all this afternoon. March 6 th 1944 (Monday) - Started at 8:30 am, and didn't do much, but supposed to draw new equipment tomorrow. March 7 th through 12 th 1944 (Tuesday-Sunday) - Didn't do much except draw new equipment, mark it with stencils, and sew on my name plates. March 13 th 1944 (Monday) - Col. Sullivan said all crew members who had not left for overseas by boat were granted 6 days leave. We could leave on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. I was really surprised, and decided to leave on Wednesday. This meant all of the crews that were still at the base were going to fly the planes overseas. All the alternate crews and ground personnel had already left for overseas by boat. March 14 th 1944 (Tuesday) - Rained all day. Came back to barracks. Capt. Herman J. Sancken, a pilot in our squadron said he was driving his 1941 Chevrolet to Atlanta, and was going through Memphis. When I asked if I could hop a ride with him, he said OK but I am leaving right now. I changed my date of departure from Wednesday to Tuesday. Packed my bag, and was ready to go. During the War, gasoline was rationed. However, Sanken had been issued enough gas ration stamps to drive his car home. We left Salina at 18:00 in Sancken's car with Sgt. Wicker. Rained nearly all night. Drove all night. Ran out of gas at Skiatook, OK. Got a 75 mile detour between Muskogee, OK and Ft. Smith, AR Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 15

Herman Sancken - National Archives photo March 15 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Left Little Rock, AR at 10 am, and arrived at the Memphis Bridge at 12:15 pm. Walked in on Evelyn.

March 16 th 1944 (Thursday) - Spent the day at our house. Really did enjoy myself. Went to town that night. March 17 th 1944 (Friday) - Evelyn and I went to town. Dad brought us home.

16 Herman Sancken - National Archives photo March 15 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Left Little Rock, AR at 10 am, and arrived at the Memphis Bridge at 12:15 pm. Walked in on Evelyn. She was really glad to see me, and also see that I had made 1st. Lt. Ate lunch there. Dad came by, and picked me up. We ate supper at our house. March 16 th 1944 (Thursday) - Spent the day at our house. Really did enjoy myself. Went to town that night. March 17 th 1944 (Friday) - Evelyn and I went to town. Dad brought us home. Evelyn, Mother, Betty Jane, and I played gin rummy. Also Evelyn went by the hospital. Came back by Ebert's home. March 18 th 1944 (Saturday) - Evelyn woke me up at 3:15 am. She was so happy, and I love every ounce of her. She was having labor pains. Told her I was not going to get up until 5 am. She was so lovely, happy, and also in pain. Evelyn was glad to know I was going to be with her. Took Evelyn to hospital, and spent all day with her. She was in labor for 14 ½ hours. She had a spinal injection. I nearly had to leave the room. Can't stand to see her suffer. Curt was born at 17:40 or 17:45. He weighed 7 lbs. and 11 oz. Left for home at 20:30. March 19 th 1944 (Sunday) - Went to hospital everyday from 14:00-16:00. Went to church this morning. Was really glad to get out, and see everybody. They announced Curt s birth at Germantown Presbyterian Church. March 20 th 1944 (Monday) - Was suppose to leave tonight, but got an extension as we were leaving for the hospital to see Evelyn for the last time. Sure was glad to get the extra day. I love my Evelyn so very dearly Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 16

17 March 21 st 1944 (Tuesday) - Saw Evelyn twice today. She broke down at last, but finally got her to stop. It really hurts me so much to see her cry. Left Memphis on the train at 8:45 pm. March 22 nd 1944 (Wednesday) - Arrived Kansas City at 9:45 am. Left Kansas City at 10 am, and arrived Salina, KS at 4:30 pm. Signed in at 17:00. March 23 rd 1944 (Thursday) - Didn't do much except get processed as the rest of the crew was in Oklahoma City. Sure was glad to get that over with. March 24 th 1944 (Friday) - Overslept this morning, but nothing was done about it. Didn't do much all day. Have not got any flying pay in yet. Have to get in 4 hours of flying a month to draw flying pay. March 25 th 1944 (Saturday) - Was supposed to fly this morning, but the snow from last night had not cleared off yet. Wrote 4 letters on the typewriter. Filled up my diary tonight, and also worked on the airplane this afternoon. Was supposed to fly, but nothing showed up. Had my name placed on Form 1 of #13007 so as to get my flying time. Didn't have to go, but got the credit. March 26 th through 28 th 1944 (Sunday-Tuesday) - Forgot what I did, but had guard duty on the airplane some nights until midnight. The enlisted men took guard duty the rest of the night. March 29 th 1944 (Wednesday) - Flew shakedown flights twice today on our plane ( ) March 30 th 1944 (Thursday) - Didn't do much today as usual just messed around. March 31 st 1944 (Friday) - Have been in the Army for 2 years now. Don't have but 28 months to go! Name: Yates C Smith Birth Year: 1920 Race: Nativity State: State of Residence: White, Citizen (White) Tennessee Tennessee Enlistment Date: 31 Mar 1942 Enlistment State: Enlistment City: Branch: Tennessee Memphis Air Corps 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 17

18 Grade: Private Height: 73 Weight: 145 April 1 st 1944 (Saturday) - Today is April Fool s Day, and I guess every dog has his day. Today is mine. Got paid today. Bought an extra $25 War Bond making $75 for this month. April 2 nd 1944 (Sunday) - Had to go to the flight line today. Hate to work on Sunday, but I screwed off all afternoon. Told we would leave on the 7 th of April for India. April 3 rd through 5 th 1944 (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) - Worked on the airplane for 3 days trying to get her in shape. Got everything weighed and loaded. April 6 th 1944 (Thursday) - Flew today and the calibrated airspeed indicator was very rough. Called my wife tonight, she is really swell, and I love her so much. April 7 th 1944 (Friday) - Worked on the plane this morning. Flew from Salina to Denver, CO, to some other point, to Houston, TX, and returned to Salina. This was a Cruise control mission. Called my wonderful darling Evelyn tonight, and talked for 11 minutes. (This was probably the last time I talked to Evelyn before I went overseas.) April 8 th 1944 (Saturday) - Dr. Rounsaville certified I was physically fit for overseas duty. We were sure the time was getting close, as this was one of the last things needed to be done. The process of packing the plane was underway. Our plane was on the ramp, and it was now time to start the loading procedure. The front bomb bay had gallon tanks for extra 100 octane gasoline. The rear bomb bay had a platform on the ramp in proper position. On this platform was loaded an extra engine, crew chief s tools, crew luggage and equipment. Everything had to be weighed by Fisher, our flight engineer. He used a load adjuster to position the material, in order to know the center of gravity before takeoff. It was necessary to know the center of gravity in order to know on takeoff if the plane was nose or tail heavy in order to properly set the trim tabs. John Rounsaville had 2 cases of Johnny Walker Scotch. As it was not an approved item for loading, he requested the approval of Major Henry Sullivan, the Squadron Commander. Major Sullivan told him, "Paint those cases black, and mark them medical supplies." Now there was a West Pointer who could see no reason for leaving good Scotch in the U.S. Dr. Rounsaville flew with us overseas in At the time we were ready to depart for overseas, our crew had about 40 total hours in a B-29. April 9 th 1944 (Easter Sunday) - On a beautiful spring morning, we took off in from Smoky Hill Army Air Field for Presque Isle, ME. The flight was 9 hours and 45 minutes long, with 7 hours of this flight being on instruments. This information is from Harry Olsen s diary. We were flying above a cloud layer for much of the way, and saw 2011 Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 18

19 very little. Our route for this leg was Salina, KS, Joliet, IL, Albany NY, Augusta ME, and then to Presque Isle, ME non-stop. We arrived at Presque Isle at 18: Dr. Yates C. Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Page 19

The combat stories of Joseph Rotundo

The combat stories of Joseph Rotundo Dates in Service: Nov. 27, 1942-Feb. 5, 1946 Branch of Service: Army Unit: 100 th Infantry Division, 925 th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B Location: France/Germany