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

ShipmateVH-2 ShipmatesShipmate

BLAIR, William H. wblair@webtv.net "...I served in Rescue Sq. VH-2 PBY'S at Tanapag Harbor on Saipan in 1944 and 1945. We had 6 planes and 9 crews. 100 men 37 officers. Lost 7 men including our flight surgeon, open sea crash. Also went to the Iwo Jima invasion..." [11MAR99]

UPDATE "...Your E-Mail bounced. If you are reading this Mr. William H. Blair...I just read your listing and was wondering if you knew my Father, AMM3C Wilber Dale Johnson? I'd love to hear from you...Carol Johnson CAROLSANJOSE@AOL.COM..." [11JAN2001]


Memorial Picture "...FORD, John W...My Dad, John W. Ford, served with VH-2 on the plane Ring Dang Doo. I'm not sure how long he was on it. He passed away on November 16, 2005 and I just happened across this information...Ronnie Ford ref52@cox.net..." [09JUL2006]


JOHNSON, Wilber Dale [Deceased] c/o His Daughter Carol J. Johnson CAROLSANJOSE@aol.com "...My Father, Wilber Dale Johnson, 3rd Mechanic, USNR, served in WW2 and flew in the Air and Sea Rescue Squadron VH-2. He was on a routine mission near Saipan, when his plane hit a wave and sank. To the best of my knowledge, there were only three survivors. Unfortunately, he was not one of the lucky ones. The year was July, 27th, 1945. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone that has lost a family member or friend that gave his or her life for our country..." [08DEC2000]


MASZTAK, "Ziggie" c/o His Son Don Masztak marine@buckeye-express.com "...I am a former U. S. Marine. I just came across some of my Father's paperwork. I'm wondering if anyone who reads this, might have been in contact with him? I know it will be tough, as he would have been 86 this year. He was with VH-2 Saipan and Tinian in 1945. He was a Waist Gunner/nose gunner. Seaman 1 C: Zykfryt "Ziggie" Masztak. There is a Certificate from the NAS Banana River, Florida Combat Air Crew. VPB-2-OTU#3. Combat Air Crew-56-B. 27 day of March 1945. There is a list of Crew Members, 13 in all, headed by First Pilot Lt. B. Barrett. Anyone having any info, input, whatever - please contact me at the e-mail address given. Thanks for your time. God Bless! Semper Fi! An Ole Marine Flame Tanker...Also served with VPB-100..." [BIO Updated 29AUG2001 | 23AUG2001]

MEEKER, ARM2 Donald Herman DMeekerope@aol.com "...I left the navy on 12/20/45 as an ARM2/c, having served on flight duty in VH-2 at Tanapag Harbor, Saipan from January to September 1945. I was assigned to Crew 1 flying in PB2B-2 BUNO: 44244. An earlier entry into your log says that this aircraft was the one lost in an open sea crash on 27 JUL 45. My log book shows that the lost aircraft was BUNO: 44243, and my log further shows that I flew many missions after that date in BUNO: 44244. Our Commanding Officer (and my Aircraft Commander) was LCDR Harold A. Wells, Jr. First pilot was ENS George Kube who REALLY knew how to fly that airplane! "SKI" Makowski was our Plane Captain and Chief Mechanic and R. W. Fisher ACRM was my boss. Our Navigator was ENS George Wilson who was not much older than I! With regard to the lost BUNO: 44243, the scuttlebutt which came back to us was that our squadron Medical Officer (LT Needle) was actually in the port-side seat, performing the touch-and-goes, hit too far back on the step, fell off, lost flying speed, and broke open the nose and starboard wing. But, as I say, that was scuttlebutt and I certainly was not there. I'd really enjoy hearing from any squadron mates ..." [24DEC2000]


WOOD, Maurice moewood36@hotmail.com "...I served with that group 1944-1945, from the time it formed at NAS North Island, San Diego, California until it disestablished in September 1945. I was a S/1C AMM on Crew 7 flying in plane # 44245..." [06MAR2003]


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