VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
http://www.vpnavy.org		 VPNAVY Address

ShipmateVP-43 ShipmatesShipmate

Memorial Picture Shipmate PixCameraCirca 1972 "...BECKMAN, ATC Thomas M. Retired...My father, Thomas M. Beckman, USN Retired, started his navy career in the back of PBY's with VP-43 in early 1945. He served in other ASW squadrons (I know VP-6 in 1968-1972) until his retirement in 1972. Then he taught "the youngsters" about the electronics in P-3's at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington once/month as a weekend warrior for another 10+ years (?). He passed away from a combination of cancer and kidney failure 07/01/1997..." Contributed by Jim Beckman jimbeckman@rocketmail.com [PIX Updated 22MAR2014 | 21MAR2014]

BLACK, ACOM John W. jwbmd@cox.net "...I served with VP-13, VP-43 and then into PB4Y Squadrons FAPS-1 later changed to VD-1 based in the Solomons 1943's and VD-5 when reorganized before shipping out to the Marianas in 1944's. Would like some lead to those squadrons which were photo squadons flying PB4Y's. Would really appreciate any leads or information..." [E-Mail Updated 25SEP2004 | E-Mail Updated 21OCT2000 | 08APR98]

BLACK, LCDR Lloyd W. Jr. https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=1475 "...LCDR Lloyd W. Black, Jr., USNR - NFL Number: 1475 - Date of Birth: 4/22/1917 - Date In: 9/15/1941 - Date Out: 1/1/1956 - City, State: Southampton, NJ - School Attended: Temple University - Aircraft Flown: PBY1,2, PBY5A, P2V1,2, PBY4Y2, P2V3,3W - Ship or Unit: VP-41, VP-43 and VP-931 - Pilot Desg.: Patrol Plane Cdr - Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: WWII Aleutians/Kor - Associations/Service Organizations: Nav Av Fdn Life Mbr - Assn of Nav Aviation - Ret Officers Assn - Highest personal decoration or award: Commendation Ribbon - Patrol Plane Cdr - PBY5-5A, PV-1-2, PB4YY2 and P2V3-3W. Operations and Exec Ofc VP-931. 2,990+ flight hours. Public School Teacher with numerous athletic coach/positions. In Memoriam? No..." [26NOV2005]

Memorial Picture "...CANNON, Houston R...With very heavy heart I report that my brother Paul E. Carrigan (the black Irishman of the Aleutian Airdales) passed away June 22.2001. Paul died in the VA hospital in Seattle from lung cancer..." Contributed by his Brother Ralph O. Carrigan rocarr28@comcast.net [16JUL2001]

CANNON, Houston R. [MIA] c/o His Son Jerry Cannon jjcannon99@cs.com "...My father, Houston R. Cannon, CAP, flew PBYs with VP-102, June 1940 through March 1942. Transferred to VP-43 in April 1942. Arrived for duty in the Aleutians June 11 or 13th, 1942. He was passenger or member of crew aboard BUNO 04469 missing between Cold Bay and Kodiak, AK, August 25, 1942. Would appreciate any info on him. Thanks!..." [18DEC2000]

CARRIGAN, Paul E. "The Black Irishman" (Deceased) c/o His Brother Ralph O. Carrigan rocarr28@comcast.net "...Paul E. Carrigan (died June 22,2001) ex Chief Aerographer's Mate USN. Paul flew as a Fleet Air Wing Four Aerographer and a qualified combat aircrewman with VP-41, VP-42, VP-43, VP-45, VP-62, VP-131, VP-135, VP-136, and VP-139. Paul accumulated over two thousand flying hours in PBYs, PBY 5 As, PV-1 Venturas and PV-2 Harpoons. The author also served in the USS Casco (AVP-12), USS Hulbert AVD-6, USS Williamson (AVP-15)USS Gillis AVD-12, USS Indianapolis CA-35, USS S-35 S type Submarine (1923), and USS Lexington CV-2 (prior to Aleutian posting). Paul authored a book titled: "The Flying, Fighting Weathermen Of Patrol Wing Four" The book includes the two day bombing of Dutch Harbor by Japanese carrier planes. The continuous bombing of the Island of Kiska by the most unconventional dive bomber, The PBY Catalina and The Empire Express to Paramushiro. These three spiral bound volumes contain 868 pages covering World War II as it was fought in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. These are the adventures of a seventeen year old enlisted man as he grows up in the next three years in this very cold corner of hell. . The book is available from the author's brother. And is printed as it was left due to the author's illness and death. Cost: $45.00 (postage included). Please contact Ralph O. Carrigan rocarr28@comcast.net or send a $45.00 check (postage included) to Ralph O. Carrigan, 5 Cutlass Way, Waretown, NJ 08758...I can now supply The Flying, Fighting Weathermen of Patrol Wing Four on a CD. The cost including postage is $25.00. Contact Ralph O. Carrigan rocarr28@comcast.net..." [BIO Updated 03JUL2003 | BIO Updated 02SEP2002 | 17OCT2002]

CRAIG, ADCR Robert E. Retired sobcraig@jps.net "...I was ACMM Plane Captain Crew # 10 VP/VPB-116 origional squadron from January 1944 through April 1945. Plane Commander was Lt. J. (Jake) A. Miller. We operated from Eniwetok, Tinian, Iwo Jima. Plane # was 309, nose art Indian boy (Eager Beaver) carrying bombs and machine guns in arms, named Eager Engines. Also served in VP-12 (1940-1941), VP-43 1941-1942), T.L.U. (1942-1943, VP-61 (1949-1952, and VR-23 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1955-57). Retired 4-20-60 as ADCR..." [31OCT2000]

DECKER, William "Bill" J. [Deceased] C/O His Daughter Jan Driscoll deeohdee@yahoo.com "...My father, William "Bill" J. Decker, was a PBY flyer and Patrol Commander of VP-43 in Alaska. He was killed 10/44. My uncle, Emil "Hans" B. Hanson was also in that squadron..." [10DEC2002]

DOUGHERTY, John J. JDVP43@aol.com "...I flew PBYs in the Aleutians and the Pacific in VP-43 and VP-72 1942-1945. Any old Pals out there drop me an E Mail..." [03MAR2002]

Memorial Picture "...EVANS, AMM1 Horace O. "Hank"...Sorry to note Dad's passing on October 25, 2005. Dad served with VP-54 and a number of other squadrons (VP-43, VP-200, VU-7, FAW-14, FAW-8, Airborre Early Warning Squadron PW-2 and VU-2) in the Solomon Island area (Bougainville) as an AMM1 during WWII. I would be interested in corresponding with anyone who has addiitonal information about the squadron's activities in the area. TC Bill Evans wevans80@comcast.net..." [26NOV2009]

EVANS, H. O. c/o his son LTC Bill Evans wevans80@comcast.net "...My Dad, H.O. Evans, served as a member of PBY squadrons during WWII in the SOuth Pacific, specifically with VP-43, VP-54, VP-200, VU-7, HEDRON FAW 14, HEDRON FAW 8, HEDRON PW2, and VU-2. Crashed in the Ellice Islands on Sept 5, 1944, rescued by the crew of the USS Renshaw. Now lives in Michigan..." [02NOV98]

Memorial Picture "...HAUGEN, Jack "Ole"...It is with deepest regret and sorrow that we the Haugen Family must inform you that Jack "Ole" Haugen also loving known as "Happy Jack" has passed on. After a valiant effort through a quadruple bypass and 2 heart valve replacements, Jack passed on Tuesday evening April 8, 2003. Jack was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Should you need to be in touch, Jeff Haugen, Jack's oldest son would like to hear from you. You can reach him at ranchohaugen@juno.com. You might remember "Ole" was our co-host with Admiral James S. Russell at the FAW-4 Reunions. "Ole' did Alaskan tour with the PBY VP-43 - Contributed by Will Swinney (VPB-139). "Ole" also wrote the VP-43 history that was included in "THE ALEUTIAN AIRDALES" by Capt. Carl Amme. "Ole" not only helped run the Reunions he also published the FAW-4 Newsletter - Contributed by Ralph O. Carrigan Rocarr28@aol.com..." Contibuted/forwarded by Ralph O. Carrigan Rocarr28@aol.com [30APR2003]

Memorial Picture "...Shipmate PixCirca 1942...HILL, Floyd...My Father, Floyd Hill, passed away in 2009. Dad served with VP-43 (06/1942-06/1943) with a deployment to NAS Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Dad was a crewman (Radioman) and flew with LT Sorenson (Pilot), LT Withe (Co-Pilot), LT Coe (Navigator), PO1 G. Hill (Plane Captain), PO3 Black (2nd Mech), Gingrich (1st radio) and PO3 Campbell (2nd radio)..." Contributed by Cynthia Hill Compton cyncompton@yahoo.com [PIX Added 30JUL2011 | 28JUL2011]

HUTCHISON, CDR Clarence H. Retired http://www.vc-35andvaaw-35.org/stories/coalHaulingPilot.html "...CDR Clarence H. Hutchison, USN (Ret.) - VC-35 VAN Team 12 "A" - USS Boxer - During WWII, I was a Signalman Second Class (SM2) undergoing Naval Aviation pilot training at Pensacola, Florida. Upon graduation in September 1942, I was designated Aviation Pilot Second Class (AP2) and received orders to the Aleutian Islands. Stopping in Dutch Harbor, I was directed to stow my seabag and Navy uniforms in the Lucky Bag and then issued long underwear and wool army clothing. From there, I proceeded to NAS Adak, Alaska and reported to the PATSU Unit. The Master-at-Arms issued me an army cot and sleeping bag and assigned me to a tent. My dreams of becoming a hot-shot pilot disappeared when he informed me that I would be assigned to the coal hauling detail. Life was primitive on NAS Adak, Alaska at this time, with personnel living in tents and using coal-burning stoves for warmth. My duties were to drop off sacks of coal at various tents each day. After about two weeks of this humiliating experience, I went to see the Officer-in-Charge of the PATSU Unit and asked him if the Navy trained me to fly airplanes so I could come out here and haul coal. He asked me my name and when I told him, he said they had been looking for me and wanted to know where I had been. I told him that I had the honor of being the only coal hauling pilot on the island and believed my talents could be best used elsewhere. He agreed and assigned me the job of correcting aeronautical charts and plotting moving submarine havens for the local patrol squadrons. In order to maintain flight proficiency, I started flying patrols with the tenant PBY squadrons searching for enemy Japanese forces attempting to re-supply their garrison on Kiska. In March of 1943, I was promoted to Aviation Pilot First Class (AP1) and assigned to VP-43 flying PBY-5A's. Pre-deployment training was conducted at Tongue Point, Oregon and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington prior to returning to the Aleutians. In October 1943, the squadron began operating from the island of Attu, conducting patrols and night bombing raids on the Japanese base at Paramushiro in the northern Kurile Islands. On January 1st 1944, I was promoted to Chief Aviation Pilot (CAP) and in March 1944 I was designated a Patrol Plane Commander (PPC) in PBY aircraft, a far cry from my coal hauling days..." [17APR2004]

MARIS, LT William L. Retired "Bill" billmaris@comcast.net "...I joined the Navy December 11, 1939 and went from "Boot Camp" to VP-11 (PBY-3), VP-12 (PBY-3) and a "Plank Owner" with VP-43 (PBY-5 & PBY-5A's). VP-12 split and became VP-23 and VP-43 in the summer of 1941. I was LCPO of VPB-S&R-PBY-5A's at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas during the period of 1940 thru 1945. Spent a tour in the Aleutions from June 7, 1942 until the first of June 1943 (AMM1/C-CAC-3). I left our PBY-5 A's at NAS Adak, Alaska and rode surface to NAS Seattle, Washington, then on the NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Made ACMM 1 February 1944. After enjoying many duty stations & Bird Farms I went from E-8 to Ltjg LDO (6852) August 11, 1964 and retired (03) February 1, 1970 at HC-4, NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (30 in and 34+ on the RL). I would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 16AUG2010 | 22MAR2004]

MILLER, Roger c/o Bill Miller bmiller@wlgore.com "...I'm looking for anything on Roger Miller (my uncle/not the singer) who was stationed with VP-43 and VP-41 in Alaska toward the end of the war (PBYs). I guess Catalinas run in our family. If I were a millionaire, I'd have one as well. Roger is alive and doing well, but has no interest in computers. I think he'd like to hear from crewmates, though..." [15FEB99]

MOORE, Robert B. "Moose" [Deceased] C/O His Son Charles M. Moore cmoore@lockeliddell.com "...My father, Robert B. "Moose" Moore, was in VP-43 in the Aleutians in 42-43. He died several years ago and I am gathering any information I can about him and VP-43. If you knew him I would like to hear from you..." [20AUG2001]

POSTON, Marcus F. c/o his son David Poston bellchaser@pensacola.com "...My father, Marcus F. Poston served with VP-43 and VB-109 in WWII. He was an enlisted pilot that was later commissioned. I was an original plank holder in VP-62 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." [13MAR99]

ROE, Lloyd E. phw@webtv.net "...a href="vp43.html">VP-43 1942-1943, VP-72 1943-1944, and NAS Jacksonville, Florida Squadron 18B..." [19FEB99]

RUDD, CDR Orton flyingmidn@rivnet.net "...Got wings in Aug. '48 Reported to VP-43 right after (still had VPMS-3 on most sqdn. stuff); went to VP-42 spring of '49 when 43 decommissioned. Korea summer '50 thru spring '51, fall sent to Annapolis to fly Middies in N3N's & PBM's. Then to VR-32 Ferry sqdn. - flew 'boats' and 30 other types including jets. Did other stuff till '62; then last tour flying P5M's VP-50. Ended 25 yrs.as CDR in OPNAV. Retired Feb.'70. Industry 20 yrs. retired '90. Have been running Flying Midshipmen Association for 29 yrs. as Exec. Director--about 900 members-Reunion St. Augustine Mar. 14th. Contact me at 1-800-964-5955..." [01MAR2001]

SEAL, Orville O. atcsseal@msn.com "...Served with VP-43 Oct 46 to Oct 48, VP-47 49 to 51 with a short stint in VP-46 in 1950. Retired 1964 as an AOC..." [E-Mail Updated 28MAR2002 | Updated 18MAR98]

Memorial Picture "...WHITE, LCDR Robert L...My Father, LCDR Robert L. White, flew the PB4Y-1 Liberator and PB4Y-2 Privateer during WWII. I have an album with squadron pictures of VPB-197, VB-115 (MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii), and VP-43...Sarah White Belgard offduty3@aol.com..." [17JUN2004]

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