VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
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VPNAVY Address

ShipmateVP-201 ShipmatesShipmate

ATWILL, LTJG James R. (send your message to his son - Bill Atwill) atwillw@UNCWIL.EDU "...My father, LTjg James R. Atwill, who flew with VP-201 and VB-111 in the years between 1941-1945. If there is anyone out there who has information about those squadrons from those years, I would be interested in hearing those stories. My father died in 1985, but he has children and grandchildren who need to keep his memory alive. In particular, I would like to hear from the following PB4Y crew members: Pete Peterson, 2nd radioman; Phil Friedman, 1st radioman; Harry Dicken, co-pilot; Irwin Blefeld, 1st Mech.; Bob Ward, navigator; John Register, 2nd mech.; Joe Konkolics, Plane Captain; Gordie Ennis, 2nd Ordnance..."


Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix"...CHAUVIN, YNC Charles E...Looking for anyone who might have known my father Charles E. Chauvin. Dad served with VP-201 and VP-111, with deployments to NAAF Agadir, French Morocco and the South Pacific among others. He passed away many years ago and his stories went with him. Bryan Chauvin firechic63@hotmail.com..." [18DEC2008]

CROWE, David Marvin [Deceased] c/o His Daughter Linda Crowe abigailadams90@yahoo.com "...My father, David Marvin Crowe, served with a PBM crew in WWII. Unfortunately he died when I was 8 and his military records were lost in burgulary at my mother's house. I desire to find out as much as I can about what he did in WWII. I have asked my Congressman, Max Sandlin, for his Military records, but unfortunately I do not know his SS#. My father served in the Atlantic theatre. My oldest brother was born at Norfolk Naval Hospital in NAS Norfolk, Virginia. My father was stationed there. His Commanding Officer was nicknamed Pappy because he was the oldest guy in the squadron. I would like to contact or hear from anyone who might have known my father or someone who flew PBM's in the Atalntic theatre. I would like to know what it was like. Sincerely...have since discovered that my father was a member of VP-201..." [BIO Updated 20AUG2002 | 06JUN2002]

CRUM, Lawrence "...VP-201 Mr. Lawrence Crum, P. O. Box 137, South Fork, PA 15956, 814-495-9204..." http://www.warships1.com/reunion_airgroup.htm [21DEC98]


EDWARDS, Linier (Lin) LINIER@aol.com "...I served with VP-201 from 1942 until 1947. I was an Aviation Ordnanceman and was better known as "Ed Edwards". I am hosting a VP 201 reunion here in Virginia Beach, October 1-5,1997. Should you be interested in attending and/or corresponding, Please contact me via E-mail or telephone (757)486-2152..."


GARDNER, Bruce c/o his son Robert Gardner (CM2 MCB133) oltmguy@aol.com "...My father, Bruce Gardner, was in VPB-201 from 1943-1946. If anybody would like to contact him please email me and I will get the information to him. Thank you..." [10JAN99]

GARRETT, CAPTAIN Ned Retired http://www.usna.com/history/classof1940/G.htm "...First, Ned was ordered to MARYLAND in communications, and, in February, 1941, to NORTH CAROLINA for commissioning and fitting out. Serving first in communications then to 16" gun turret III, operating in Atlantic and Pacific until torpedoed during Guadalcanal campaign at which time he was ordered to flight training. After receiving wings, he reported as exec to VPB-201, a PBM squadron, covering convoys and various ASW operations in the Atlantic. At war's ending, he went to MIT for his masters in aero engineering. Next, Ned was ordered to BAR El Segundo in a special engineering assignment. Then, after a refresher course in PB4Y's at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, he reported to FASRON-117 in Hawaii and, as C.O. built it into a heavy maintenance facility during the Korean War. Now designated for engineering duty, he reported to BuAer as Service Engines Branch Head, then as Engines Technical Officer at COMNAVAIRPAC, totaling six years of Fleet-wide engine problems. Next came BAR and INSORD at Aerojet Azusa and Sacramento on Polaris, rocket engines and torpedo programs. Making Captain, he was ordered to NAVAIRSYSCOM as Aircraft Division R&D Plans and Programs officer. Then, as C.O. of the overhaul facility, NAS Pensacola, Florida, he was back enjoying all phases of aircraft repair and production. His last duty station was as the Navy Plant Representative, Long Beach. Upon retiring, Ned went into the brokerage business, but gravitated back into aviation by going, with family, to Iran as depot manager for the F-14 program and as Advisor Director of Engineering, developing a large aircraft and engine overhaul facility in Tehran. Navy technical experience proved invaluable in a most difficult environment, but all enjoyed R&R trips throughout the Middle East, Russia, and on around the world. Mark, their youngest, skiied each winter weekend and had his high school graduation on the Tehran embassy grounds. After three years, all departed before the hostage crisis and Ned joined McDonnell-Douglas in various duties until retiring in 1984..." [21JUL2003]


HENSHAW, Jim jhenshaw@pe.net "...I served as radio operator assigned to TTSA Atlantic Fleet 1942-1943 testing PBM's made at Martin's in Baltimore and delivery to squadrons being formed: i.e. VPB-201-VPB-225. Also had a few flights on testing the MARS built in 1942. Later assigned to FAW-3, NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone and VPB-209 on Galapagos. I would be interested in contact from anyone serving in the above units during that period..." [05MAY98]

HUMPHREYS, George geohum@budget.net "...I was stationed on the rock (FASRON-201) from late 1958 until the base closed. I worked in the radio shack as a watch stander. I remember running the Gut, lots of faces, but few names. I remember Sillis was in my hut, a Frank-someone and Walter-someone, and other names, but can't remember if they were in our hut. I remember a college guy in our hut who was offended by cursing and swearing, so one of the other guys came up with the idea of using bigger words to describe the curse words... and it also seems to me that Sillis was quite good at using the bigger words. Would really like to hear from folks that were there at that time..." [26DEC2001]


JENSEN, CDR Leo R. http://209.165.152.119/navy/1946jan_apr.txt "...13MAY46 - Commander Leo R. Jensen started his Naval career when he entered the Naval Academy on June 4, 1934. Upon graduation from the Academy on June 2, 1938, he was assigned to the U. S. S. Maryland, and remained aboard until 1939. He then served aboard the U. S. S. Tucker until September of 1940. In September 1940, Commander Jensen entered Flight Training at Pensacola, receiving his wings in April 1941. He was assigned to VP-12 (which was later changed to VP-24), until October 1943. In November 1943, he proceeded to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where he was assigned to VPB-201 until July of 1945. In July 1945, Commander Jensen was ordered to NAS Hutchinson, Kansas, for one month training in PB4Y-2A's. In the latter part of August, he reported to Naval Air Station, Miami, Florida, for duty. He was attached to that station until November 1945, when he was ordered to duty at NAAS Camp Kearny, California. Commander Jensen reported aboard NAS Kodiak, Alaska, from NAAS Camp Kearny, California, in March 1946, where he relieved Commander A. L. Burgess, USN, as Commanding Officer of VPB-122..." [05JUL2003]


KLEINE, Myron "Mike" creation@infinet.com "...World War II - Squadron: VP-203 - Years: 1942 - 1945..." [11JUN98]


Memorial Picture Shipmate PixCirca 1956 "...MILLER, CAPTAIN Harold C. "Dixie" Retired...My father, Harold "Dixie" Miller, passed away in 1974. Dad graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy (06/1939), served aboard the USS Boise (CL-47), USS Rathburne (FF-1057) as Sound Instructor, NAS Pensacola, Florida (01/1942) earned his Naval Aviator Wings, VN8D8-1 as Executive, VN8DA-A as Commanding Officer, NAS Pensacola, Florida as Assistant Superintendent Aviation Training, VP-73 as Commanding Officer, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 as Commanding Officer, USS Saipan (CVL-48) as Assistant Air Officer, NAS Pensacola, Florida as Administrative Officer - Naval Air Basic Training Command, NAS Pensacola, Florida as COMPACDIVMATS Deputy Director and Chief of Operations, NAS Pensacola, Florida as Training Officer, USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) as Operations and Executive Officer and VPB-201 as a pilot, underwent secret training at NAS Banana River, Florida in 1942 and deployed to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. I would love to hear from anyone who served with him. Shortly after Daddy died in 1974, a squadron member gave my mother a copy of a novel based on the squdron's war experience written by said squadron member. The book disappeared before I could read it and I don't remember the title. Daddy returned from Africa early due to medical reasons. I believe he was the gunnery officer, and was a 1939 graduate of Annapolis. I would love to hear from anyone who knew Daddy, and would like to learn the name and author of the novel inspired by the squadron's experience. Any stories would be greatly appreciated. Mcgruder Tuttle and Brick Blackburn are two names who I am aware of that he served with in the squadron..." Contributed by William R. Miller williamrossmiller@gmail.com [PIX/BIO Updated 16SEP2016 | 15SEP2016]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...MILLS, ACOM Farville "Bud" Kerkwood...With deepest sorrow, I am reporting the passing of the last remaining survivor of VPB-111 CAC Crew 12. ACOM Farville "Bud" Kerkwood MILLS, Gunner and Bombardier on a VPB-111 PB4Y-1 "Liberator" passed on December 7, 2021 in Homeland CA. "Bud" joined the Navy shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor and served in both North Africa and the Pacific Theater of Operations (he also served with VPB-201). In early 2000, “Bud” submitted a manuscript to the Library of Congress entitled WAR DIARY U.S.Navy - Fleet Air Wing Squadron VB-111 / VPB-111 Blue Raiders. It is a great tribute to the men that served in that squadron. Rest in peace my friend and Naval aircrew member who served his country well. Truly, a product of the “Greatest Generation.” Bud is center in photo..." Contributed by Peter P. Bresciano, CMSGT USMC/USAF Retired ppbchief@yahoo.com [12JAN2022]

MILLS, F. K. "Bud" Shipmate Pix Circa 1943-45 foko@d-web.com "...I served with VP-201 and VB-111..." [17NOV2001]

MORRISON, John H. Tarzan1771@aol.com "...I flew as a boot Ensign in VPB-201 from March 1945 to October 1945 at Key West, NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone and the Galapagos Is..." [12FEB2000]

MORSE, Fred FMorse@aol.com "...I went through operational at NAS Banana River, Florida in March 46 in PBM5's, then to VP-201 in San Juan until they returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia, and in to VP-ML-5 as I recall. VP-741 in P-2V's at NAS Jacksonville, Florida during Korea with a 6 month tour on Malta. Was at NAS New York, New York in VP-832, VP-834 and VP-839, all P-2V's. Was called back during Cuba in VP-832 and retired in 1966 with 7 active and 16 reserve. Found time to fly 33 years for TWA, retiring in 1985..." [13MAY98]

MULLEN, Paul (Moon) moonmull74@aol.com "...Served with VP-55, VP-56, and VP-74 from March'41 to late'42. Would appreciate any correspondence with squadron mates at that time. Also VPB-305, VP-201 same applies, '43 to'45. I would appreciate any information as to whereabouts of Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class Bob Stuart..." [13SEP2000]


Memorial Picture "...PELLETIER, Normand Roger...I wanted to let you know that my father PO1 AAM1/C Normand Roger Pelletier passed away this Tuesday, June 8, 1999 of cardiac arrest at his home in Wilmington, NC. He has contributed to your pages many facts concerning the crash of my uncles plane near Iceland during WW2. My father spent much of his early years of service with VP-56, VP-212, VP-201 and patrol bombing squadron VPB-21, and VPB-2. He was very fond of your website and took me to it many times late at night when I would visit with him at his home. My thanks to you for your website as it is a memorial to all who have served in the VPNAVY. My thanks to the Navy and Marine color guard who were also supplied for his beautiful funeral. If you have any additional stories about my father and uncle, Lionel Pelletier, please pass them on. We are composing a scrapbook of facts and stories for both of these gentlemen. Please feel free to write me an email...Roger Lionel Pelletierpelle11@ibm.net..." [12JUN99]


Memorial Picture "...WILSON, ACMM Wilson H...My Father, ACMM Wilson H, Wilson, passed away June 2009. Dad served with VP-201 (1942-1944) and VPB-22 (1944-1945). I would like to hear from his Shipmates..." Contributed by Thomas H. Wilson thwilson@yahoo.com [18JAN2011]


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