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

ShipmateVP-27 ShipmatesShipmate

Memorial Picture "...BARRENTINE, AOM2 Gofdon E...VPB-27, at Okinawa at wars end. Fine Shipmate, my very good friend, and a wonderfull person departed his last mission December 18, 1995...George A.Croly geocroly@webtv.net..." [05JAN2002]

BREWER, Charles Griffin Shipmate PixJUDGE BREWER http://www.forest-blade.com/news/2005/0803/social/053.html "...Judge Brewer interviewed at library July 14, 2005 - World War II veteran Judge Charles Griffin Brewer was interviewed at the Franklin Memorial Library on Thursday, July 14. Judge Brewer was in the U. S. Navy and served aboard the Sea Plane Tender Onslow in the Pacific Theater. He attended Aviation Machinist Mate School and Aerial Gunners School, and received Combat Air Crew Training before his VP-27 squadron was formed at NAAS Harvey Point, North Carolina. His unit was then shipped to San Francisco where they ferried planes to Hawaii and took transport ships back. Their squadron was then designated a VPB (patrol bombing squadron), and they flew to MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where they received advanced training and flew anti-submarine patrols. Their next assignment was NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands, where they lived aboard sea planes. The USAAF was using B29s to run bombing raids on Japan, and many of the planes were crashing in the vicinity of Saipan, Tinian and Japan as they tried to return from their long missions. His unit was responsible for finding these downed airmen and directing ships in the area to pick them up. They were then sent to Keramaretto, a group of islands west of Okinawa. From there they participated in the bombardment of Okinawa. At the same time, a large fleet of battleships was firing salvos on the island, and aircraft carriers were sending plane after plane over for air attacks. They also ran bombing missions up the coast of China, across the southern end of Korea, and over almost to Japan. The Navy suffered heavy losses during the war from Kamikaze attacks as the Kamikazes would come in about sundown each day and destroy ships in the Naval Fleet. After the bombing of Nagasaki, Judge Brewer and his squadron flew over the area at about 600 feet. He described the complete destruction of the city. These World War II veterans' interviews are videotaped and stored at the Franklin Memorial Library. They are available for public viewing. Members of the public wishing to view one of these interviews may do so if the facilities are available or they may call the library at 2377791 and reserve a time to view one of these videos. These interviews are done through the support of Franklin Memorial Library, the Emanuel County Historic Preservation Society, and the Governor David Emanuel Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Technical support is provided by Dr. Bob Brown and Michael Buxton..." [15AUG2005]

BROWN, Howard R. https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=17 "...Howard R. Brown, USN - NFL Number: 17 - Date of Birth: 11/21/1922 - Date In: 8/1/1942 - Date Out: 6/1/1946 - City, State: Atlanta, GA - School Attended: Cathedral H.S., SD - Aircraft Flown: L-1011, DC-8-63, Boeing 727-225, L-188, PBM - Ship or Unit: VPB-27 - Pilot Desg.: NavAv, Flt. Capt. - Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: Pacific, Okinawa - Associations/Service Organizations: Assn of Nav Aviation - Mariner/Marlin Association - VPB-27 Reunion Group - Ret. Eastern Pilots - Highest personal decoration or award: Dist. Flying Cross - Significant Achievements: - 40 years and 30,000 hours flight time. Flew the DC-3 now in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Air Transport Rating #455333. Boy Scouts. Civil Air Patrol. In Memoriam? No..." [30NOV2005]

BUCHAL, Robert RJBuchal@aol.com "...I was PPC in the following Squadrons: VPB-121 Sep44 to Nov45 Western Pacific-Privateers, VP-27 Sep48 to Jan50 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Privateers Decomissioned, VP-2 Jan50 to Jul50 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington P-2V's, FAW-4 Jul50 to May51 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Instructor for Reserve SQDs, training for Korea-Both P-2V and PB4Y-2's, and VP-23 Aug54 to Aug56 NAS Brunswick, Maine P-2V-5's & 7's. Interested in hearing from any former Shipmates..." [Updated 17JUN98]

BURDETT, AMM2 Merle W. "Burdie" burdievfd85@yahoo.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) (Plank Owner) as a member of Victor Division. I left the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in Tokyo Bay (Japan) to go to Sasebo (Japan) to join VPB-27 onboard the USS St. George (AV-16). Three planes left Sasebo 12/31/1945 to go to NAS Oakland, California and arrived 2/12/1946. USS Pine Island (AV-12) crew members at Okinawa might rember me as the guy in the rubber boat tied to the fantail. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [26SEP2010]

BYERLY, P. Wayne pizwilli@bledsoe.net "...I Served in Crew-5 of VP/VPB-27 from day of commissioning,June 1, 1944 until relieved at Okinawa (August 8, 1945) and rotated back to the States. Being a third-class mech (AMM3/c), qualified flight-engineer but served primarily as a tail-gunner. Those inclusive dates encompass the Okinawa Campaign. I lost track of nearly everyone. In 1983, a now deceased pilot gave me a roster of 19 Officers and 2 Enlisted men. Determined, and at my own expense, I started with that list of shipmates. At the end of seven years I had 164 current addresses on roster of VPB-27 personnel. It was a real joy! Some since are deceased and some are just not interested. At present I have an active mailing of 120 Officers and Enlisted. I publish an informal (labor of love) Newsletter of VPB-27 for the guys..." [12JAN98]


CHISHOLM, Keith qaysi@aol.com "...I joined VPB 27 in November 1945 and stayed with it until discharge in June 1946. I was an ARM. Haven' t kept in touch with any of the crew but would like to hear from them..."

Memorial Picture "...CICHOWICZ, Bolish V. "Chick"...My Dad, Bolish V. Cichowicz "Chick," served with VP-27 (Crew 5). He passed away in September 1977. My children never got to know their granddad. Before he died, my Mom would occassionally hear from other members of the crew. I know that they were a very close group. Would like to hear from any of them, if they are still around...Dad didn't talk much about the War, but he did fondly remember his crewmates. I have his log books and some pictures. Dorothy Penkalski penkal@verizon.net..." [21JUL2009]

CROLY, ARM George geocroly@webtv.net "...The ranks are thinning. I was at NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan when WWII ended. Are there many of us left? Reunion? Was an ARM night patroller. I now live in CA..." [05MAR2001]


DOMPKA, Robert James "Bob" rjdompka@aol.com "...I served with VPB-27 (1944-1946) with deployments and detachments to Hawaii, Saipan, Okinawa, Sasebo, Hong Kong and points nearby. A few names I remember are Mike Elligon, Adams, OO Craig, Barney Johnson, ENS Moreland, CDR Voorhies and others. I would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [27JUN2010]

DREW, John drewjhrt@bellsouth.net "...I served with VP-73 from April 1942 to August 1943. Iceland, Bally Kelly, that place in England and NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. ASDEVLANT NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island from September 1943 to April 1945. PBM-5, transition training, NAS Banana River, Florida, May 1945 to July 1945. VP-27 Sasebo, Japan, September 1945 to January 1, 1946. Regards..." [21FEB2002]


ENGLISH, ACRM Joseph grandpajoeengl@webtv.net "...Served with VPB-27..." [02JUL99]


Memorial Picture "...FULLER, ATC Richard Sears...My Dad enlisted on December 19th, 1941 at Natick Massachusetts (right after WWII started on December 7th, 1941), graduated Boot Camp (02/1942), Radio School (03/1942) at NAAS Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida, Chief of Naval Air Intermediate Flight Training Command (07/1943) flying (crew) aboard the DC-2 and DC-3, Training Squadron Special Projects School for Air (05/1944), FAW-6 (07/1944) Radio Maintenance School, N.A.F.G.S So. Field NAS North Island, San Diego, California, Aviation Free Gunnery Unit in San Diego (Aug 1944), F.A.W.C Radar School (09/1944) and S.P.S.A San Clemente Island, CA. Dad noted in his logbook "My only sea duty was done aboard a 4 stocker and yard oiler to and from San Clemente Island . Transportation only!" Dad then attened NAS Minneapolis, Minnesota (11/1944) Line Maintenance School, VB-4 OTU-4 (02/1945) at NAS Pensacola, Florida and NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida (Instructor), FAW-6 (07/1945) and VPB-212 (10/1945) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington flying the PBM. On October 1946 through 1950 Dad began flying the Aleutian Islands patrols in PB5Y-2 out of NAS Kodiak, Alaska, Dutch Harbor, NAF Amchitka, Alaska to NAS Attu, Alaska and Tanaga. Dad then served with VP-27 until its disestablishment (01/1950) and reported to VP-6 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island (04/1950-1952) assigned to VIP Transport Unit flying as Radio/Radar Operator on the R4D(DC-3). VIP's Dad flew with during his tour at the Naval War College: Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (CNO from 1942-1945), General Shepherd (Commandant USMC),Admiral Kirk (Ex Ambassador to Russia), General Bill Donavon,Senator Margaret G. Smith (ME), Vice Air Marshall Huddleston (RAF),Vice Admiral Connelly (President of Naval War College), Vice Admiral Johnson (Joint American/Mexican Defense Board), Rear Admiral Read (NC4), Rear Admiral White, Rear Admiral Murrey (CNAT), Rear Admiral Wellman (COMDESRON THREE) and Rear Admiral SS Murray (COMSUB FLEET). Dad noted in his logbook, "Start my second two thousand hours". VP-46 (10/1952-02/1955) from NAS North Island, San Diego, California to NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as far out as Kwajalein and the Phillipines. Dad then attended AT "A" School (02/1955) at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, VP-9 (03/1956) at NAS Alameda, California, NAS Memphis, Tennessee (07/1957) (Instructor) an back to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. 04 October 1961 at 10:04 AM, dad retired as ATC Naval Aircrewman NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, having flown 4450 total hours. Dad flew aboard R2D-1, R50-2, R50-6, R4D-4, SNB-2, PB4Y-1, PBM-5, PB4Y-2, P2V-2, R4D-5, R4D-6, PBM-5, P5M-1 and the P2V-7..." Contributed by AWOC Jason M. LACEY jasonlacey74@hotmail.com [18NOV2013]


GRIFFITHS, Bill WGriff3331@aol.com "...I VPB-27 and VP-21 flying the PBM, Martin Mariners, in the Pacific during 1945 and 1946. We flew from and were serviced by Seaplane Tenders..." [10NOV99]


HERBERT, Hansel Kay lkherbert@sbcglobal.net "...I flew PBM's with VP-209, VPB-27, and VP-46 in 1942, 1944/1945 and 1948/1950. I would love to talk to some old Shipmates who is still around and interested in communicating..." [E-Mail Updated 11SEP2004 | 20MAY2003]

HERBERT, L. K. lkherbert@aol.com "...I joined VP-209 around the first of Dec. 1942 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia as an Ensign and immediately was shipped to NAS Banana River, Florida for training in PBM's, and returned to the squadron. In May of 1944, while flying with VP-209 at the Galopagos Islands, I was transferred to VPB-27 and was one of the Original Pilots in forming the Squadron..." [24JAN99]

HOFFMAN, H. Peter hpeterh@citlink.net "...While in training as an Aviation Radioman and Aerial Gunner, I flew in PBY's at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I was transferred to NAS Banana River, Florida, where I was trained in PBM Mariners. I was transferred via MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii to VPB-27 in Okinawa, where I boarded the Seaplane Tender USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14). I eventually flew to Sasebo, Japan, where I boarded the Tender USS Pine Island (AV-12). Our crew flew in the areas between Okinawa, Japan and Korea, searching for Japanese ships. The Seaplane Tender USS St. George (AV-16) was also used as a base in Sasebo. On January 16, 1946 our crew flew a party of congressmen to Nagasaki, to view the devastation. They expected to land in the bay and taxi to the shore, but our pilot, LCDR Pipkorn, decided not to land due the rough water. The congressmen were disappointed and voiced their displeasure. However, LCDR Pipkorn made the smart choice. Our crew also flew the congressmen around Japan and landed in the lake at Kyoto for an overnight stay. On February 6, our squadron flew to Hong Kong, where we were based for about one month. On March 2, 1946, we island hopped our return to MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, via NS Sangley Point, Philippines, NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands, Ebeye and Johnston Island. On May 7, 1946, Our crew flew to NAS Alameda, California. I was honorably discharged at Shoemaker, California on May 20, 1946. I now live in Rio Vista, California after a thirty-three year employment with IBM..." [14OCT2012]

HUSHBECK, Evan hush@foothill.net "...I was one of eight officers present at the establishment of VP-27 on 1 June 1944 at Hertferd NC, was with the Squadron all the way to being relieved at Okinawa 9 Sept.1945. We were re-designated VPB-27 in October 1944. I was the PPC of Crew 14 and we made the first PBM takeoff of the Okinawa Campaign 29 Mar. 1945..." [E-Mail Updated 01MAY99]


POMEROY, Charles charlesp@coffee.ocn.ne.jp"...I served in VP-27 (PB4Y2s) from November of 1948 until the squadron Disestablished in December of 1949, starting as an AL3 (flew with Lt. Cdr. Wiley Hunt) and doing one tour flying out of Kodiak. Served in VP-6 from January of 1950 (again flying with PPC Hunt, and then with Lt. Sullivan in our second tour in Japan) to 1953. Yes, I was one of the original "Blue Sharks" and flew a total of 79 missions during the Korean war, doing two tours of duty. (By the way, P.R. Foster and "Rags" Raglan, both of whom I had flown with in VP-27, were MIA in the patrol lost near Vladivostok during our second tour in 1951 I served one more tour in Kodiak with VP-6 in late 1952 (Lt. jg Scott Carpenter was our Navigator, Lt. John St. Marie our PPC), after which I was transferred to Alameda, where I joined VP-9. VP-9 brought me out to Japan again for a third tour of duty in 1953, just after the shooting stopped. But the Navy decided that La Dolce Vita was what I needed, so it was a transfer to Naval Attache duty in Rome, Italy, for two years. Then back to my beloved P2Vs. this time P2V-7s, with VP-11 at Brunswick, Maine. We did a tour in Malta, from where I was again able to visit old friends in Rome. I left the Navy in November of 1956, after almost nine years of service, to continue my eduction. I have been in Tokyo most of the past 40 years working as a correspondent for various publications..." [E-Mail Updated 07MAY2005 | E-Mail Updated 11OCT99]

PRINTY, CWO2 John E. Retired wileyoldfox@peoplepc.com "...I served with VPB-206 for several months before transfer to VPB-27 in early 1949. I served with VP-27 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington from February to December 1949. At that time I was a non-rated airman and flew as a second ordnanceman in crew "DC" 2 and 9 flying the PB4Y-2 Privateer. We deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska from August to November 1949. The squadron was Disestablished in December 1949. Served with FASRON-108 from November 1954 to November 1956. Was an AO2 when I reported aboard and was an AO1 when I departed. Thoroughly enjoyed my tour and my introduction to the "VP Navy". I also served with VAQ-33 - VA(AW)-33 NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey from November 1956 to December 1959. Our squadron moved March 1958 to NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island as NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey was to be closed. We flew the AD-5N aircraft until April 1959 when the squadron mission was changed and we switched to AD-5Q aircraft. I left the squadron December 1959 as the squadron mission had changed and the squadron no longer had a weapons launching need. All of the ordnancemen were transferred to other activities in the NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island area. In my three plus years in the squadron, I served in detachments aboard the USS Saratoga, USS Forrestal, and the USS Wasp..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 26DEC2005 | E-Mail Updated 28APR2003 | 00XXX1997]

PUVOGEL, Austin V. apuv@worldnet.att.net "...I was an original pilot in VPB-27 when it was commissioned in June of 1944 at NAAS Harvey Point, North Carolina. Easy 4 was our plane that took the picture of Easy 14 over Kagoshima Wan, Kyushu in August 1945. I left the squadron in October 1946 while it was based aboard USS Pine Island anchored in Sasebo Harbor..." [05JAN98]


Memorial Picture "...RAYMOND, E. J...My Great Grandfather, E.J. Raymond served with VP-27 during the Second World War, he served in Korea but I’m unsure when, where, or with who. During the war he flew a PBM-5 with Crew 14, the PBM with E14 plastered on the side of the fuselage. But I couldn’t thank this page and those who contributed to it enough. Because of this page I’ve been able to find out who he served with, what plane he was in, and learn more about the units history. He passed away just before I was born and I was given his middle name, so this page will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ve been able to reconnect my mother and grandmother with pictures of him. Thank you..." Contributed by joehnulik@gmail.com [25MAR2024]


SCHUMACHER, AL pdillion@gte.net "...Anyone who served with me in 1959 VP 27 out of Thailand - shot down over Laos May 15, 1959 I was there as POW 4 months, 4 days. Would appeciate hearing from anyone who was with me at this time..."

SHORT, Jack R. jackshort@sbcglobal.net "...I came from VP-27 to FASRON-895 in 1950 to 1952. I think I was the only regular Navy in the group..." [18DEC2006]


TOLER, George M. gtoler@intrex.net "...I served with VP-27 from late May 1944 to early August 1945. I'm looking for anyone that remembers an open sea pickup by VP-27 CREW 5 in July 1945 south of Okinawa? I was the flight engineer on that rescue. We were hitting the top of the waves until I knocked the throttle passed the safety notch, giving just a little more manifold pressure, enough to start missing the wave tops. The JATO had expired, something had to be done. We had a total of 22 on board, more than a full load, but we didn't leave or lose anyone. I need to know if I was dreaming. I know I had not been drinking, couldn't get anything while at sea..." [30AUG99]

Memorial Picture "...TREDWAY, Leo J...TREDWAY, Leo J. 91, of Hyannis, died Monday, August 2nd at the Cape Regency Care Center, Centerville after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Gloria (McCarter) Tredway of Hyannis; his son Leo J. Jr. (Lee) and his wife Patricia (Roberts) of Medfield; his brother William of Boonton, NJ; and one nephew and several nieces. He was predeceased by his son Paul Allen in 1989 and brother Floyd J. in 1999. In 1939 he graduated from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, NJ earning a license from the FAA for aircraft engine maintenance and repair. He worked for Canadian Colonial Airways; Curtis Wright Corp.; and the US Navy as an instructor before enlisting in the USN in 1942. Leo was an instructor stateside followed by assignment to VPB-27 patrol squadron and a PBM Mariner as Plane Captain. He deployed to the Pacific and saw combat operations. Among his awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Combat Air Crew wings with three gold stars. Upon his discharge in 1946 Leo returned to work for Floyd W. Tredway Inc. Moving and Storage, becoming co-owner with his brother William upon the death of their father. Leo and Gloria retired to the Cape in 1980. Services were held on August 4. The family wishes to thank the VNA of CC and the 2nd Floor staff at Cape Regency for their compassion and care. WebSite: Boston.Com http://www.legacy.com/..." Contributed by Lee Tredway lee.tredway@verizon.net [25AUG2010]

TSCHIDA, CDR Walter J. https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=505 "...CDR Walter J. Tschida, USN/USNR NFL Number: 505. Date of Birth: 9/17/1921 Date In: 7/30/1942 Date Out: 10/1/1963. City, State: Shoreview, MN. Aircraft Flown: PBY, PBM, PV-2, P2V, S2F. Ship or Unit: VP-811 CO, VP-812 and VPB-27. Pilot Desg.: Patro Plane Cdr Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: Saipan, Okinawa. Associations/Service Organizations: Natl Bus. Aircr Assn Minn.Business Pilots Quiet Birdmen. Highest personal decoration or award: Legion of Merit (3). Significant Achievements: 17,000 flight hours. Airline Transport Pilot. Distinguished Flying Cross (3). Director/Chief Pilot, Onan Corp. and McGraw Edison Co. In Memoriam? No..." [28NOV2005]


Memorial Picture "...YOUNG, Arthur William...My Father, Arthur William Young, died on December 8, 1994. He was member of VPB-27 and crew member of Edward Garlits. I'm not sure if his captain had the last name of Davis from California. He served in area of Saipan, Okinawa, Philippines, etc. I am looking for more information VPB-27. He was a Flight crew member and did receive Distinquished Flying Cross with his crew 1944-1945. Any information would be appreciated!...Dan Young dyoungctwp@comcast.net..." [20FEB2005]

UPDATE "...Followed up on my Father Arthur W. Young ( deceased 12-8-94 ). He was a crew member of Ed Garlits, Eglies, Bradford , crew 12 VP-27 and his crew participated in Japanese Convoy raid on April 27, 1945! All 3 Mariners of VPB-27 and VPB-208 made it back to base damaged but no loss of life!..." Contributed by Dan Young dyoungctwp@comcast.net..." [12MAR2024]


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