VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
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ShipmateVP-197 ShipmatesShipmate

BAKER, CHARLES C. baker919@aol.com "...I was in VPB-106 on Samar PI from Jan. 1946 to about Oct. 46. Before that I was in VPB-197 in Deigo and at Miama and Jax. Would like to hear from any old buddies..." [05MAR99]

BROWNLEE, ENSIGN M F c/o His Son Jim Brownlee rkymtnnews@aol.com "...Looking for any information about my Dad (died with his aircraft and crew on 22 JUN 45). He served with VP-197 and VP-117..." [27APR2000]


DIXSON, Gilbert dgiljune@capital.net "...I served with VPB-108, VPB-117, VPB-197, and VPB-200 as replacement crews in 1944-1946. I wonder if any of the old timers remember me. I was the baseball team catcher..." [07OCT2001]


EINES, AOM3 Ivar ieines@earthlink.net "...I joined the Navy in September 1944 at NAS Seattle, Washington and at that time volunteered for the "Win Your Silver Wings" program for Naval Air Gunners. After boot camp at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, Ordnance School at NATTC NAS Norman, Oklahoma, Naval Air Gunnery School at NAGS Yellowater Fl, and Operational Training at NAS Master Field, I made AOM 3/c and was awarded the coveted siler wings. Our group was then transferred to NAAS Camp Kearny, California and became a part of newly formed VPB-197. I was the starboard waist gunner. Our Chief Pilot was LCDR Barney. By then the war was over, and the squadron disestablished. Still think of those old days and the good friends I made..." [23DEC2003]


FORREST, Herbert D. hlforrest@msn.com "...Looking for crewmates- NAAS Camp Kearny, California August 1945. Christie Allison, Robert Langenberg, George Craighead, William Schloman, Robert Gladney, Michael Lopriori, and Ernest West..." [03FEB2002]


Memorial Picture "...GILLESPIE, AMM3/c Cecil R...My father, Cecil R. Gillespie, served with VPB-118 as an AMM3/c and from what records I have, he recieved the Air Medal for service with VPB-118 in the vicinity of Western Honshu and Southern Korea July 24 to August 9, 1945. He also served with VPB-197 and VPB-200. My father is now deceased. Anyone who may have served with him and/or has information on his unit and plane crew, I would be very glad to hear from. I myself am a Vietnam vet. His Son Mick Gillespie mkgillespie@comcast.net..." [E-Mail Updated 18SEP2007 | 13JUN2000]

GOODELL, Billie N. Shipmate Pix ...Circa 2006 goodkemp@aol.com "...I joined the Navy at 17 and attended Boot Camp (Platoon 56) at NS Norfolk, Virginia followed by Aviation Machinist school. I reported to VP-83 in May 1941. VP-83 was flying PBY's. After training we departed for NAF Natal, Brazil (June 1942) and returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia (May 1943). We exchanged our PBY's for PB6Y-1 and formed VPB-107. I reported to NAS Hutchinson, Kansas for Combat Aircrewman School. We formed a crew known as M68. After graduation we were sent to VPB-197 NAAS Camp Kearny, California. We arrived June 1945 to train for VPB-109 on Okinawa, Japan. We deployed July 1945 for VPB-200 at NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii for additional training. I left VPB-200 for VPB-109 August 1945. They were disestablishing VPB-109 and reassigned us to NAS Alameda, California (December 1945). I was then assigned to VPB-197 NAAS Camp Kearny, California. VPB-197 was disestablished April 1946. I was assigned to FAETUPAC NAAS Ream Field, San Ysidro, California. I was then assigned to BTU 2 NAAS Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida (January 1950). I then reported to VR-24 Det 1 NAF Naples, Italy (July 1955). I reported to VPB-16 NAS Jacksonville, Florida December 1959 until retired in September 1962. Along the way I collected a Combat Aircrew Wings, Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation with Star, Good Conduct Medal with Four Stars American Defense with Star, American Campaign, European African Mid Eastern Campaign Asiatic Pacific Campaign, World War II, and the Occupation Medal Europe and American Defense. After retirement, I got on civilian job at the Naval Air Rework Facility as a Production Controller where I retired after 18 years. I now live in Pleasant Grove, Alabama and enjoying life. I would love to hear from any former Shipmates..." [BIO Updated 25OCT2006 | E-Mail Updated 08MAR2005 | 27MAR99]


HUCHZERMEIER, AOM Ronald rhuchzermeier@charter.net "...I served with VPB-197 from 1945 to 1946. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [11AUG2009]


KEEFE, ARM2 L. J. verkeefe@bestweb "...I was in the USN from March 1944 to July 1946. Trained at NAS Jacksonville, Florida in Radio School, Gunnery and PBY's. Further training in NAS Hutchinson, Kansas in PB4Y-1 (B-24). Back to NAS Jacksonville, Florida for training in PB4Y-2 (Privateers). Then out to NAS North Island, San Diego, California for more training with VPB-197. Then to MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Finally wound up in Eniwetok Island with VPB-121. The war was over and they did not know what to do with me so I wound up in NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands in CASU F 48 flying PBM's and PBY's for testing purposes. Being the youngest I did not get discharged till 1946. Rate of ARM 2/c CA V6. I had abot 700 hrs in my log books. Can anyone tell me any information abot my travels as I am now 77 yrs of age and realize I did contribute something to the war effort. At the time I was just having a grand adventure , flying and operating a 50 caliber turret. I was also a good radio operator. Never forgot the code..." [30MAY2004]

KOONTZ, Robert (KIA) c/lo his Grandson Robert Koontz kooter2626@aol.com "...I would like some help on researching the squadron my grandfather served with in WWII. His name was Robert Koontz and he was killed in action on August 7 or 8 1945. The only information I have on his his is training squadron which was VPB-197 in the states. If anyone could help me with this research and how to obtain his service records I would be truly thankful. I would also like to obtain any information on his crews last mission and how their plane was lost. Thanks for any help available. I would also like to hear from any former squadron members who knew him..." [13MAY2002]


MARTIN, George Tworoadrunners@aol.com "...I was ARM in PB4Y2 Crew 165 at NAAS Muni #1, Jax. After training, we became Crew 5; VPB-101 and xferred to NAS North Island, San Diego, California, then to NAAS Crow's Landing. In April, 1945 we went to NAAS Camp Kearney with VPB-197. In October, 1945 VPW-1 was commissioned and I joined Crew 1 as ARM, PPC- Commander Dennis Szabo...I went to ARM school at Mainside Jacksonville; gunnery at Yellowwater, FL. and then on USS Mission Bay (CVE59) until assigned to Crew 165 for training. PC was Lt. E. R. Telling, co-pilots were Ensigns T.C. Moe and Richard N. Amluxen. Plane Capt. was AMM1/c Ralph Maggio. Rounding out the crew were AMM3/c Royal C. Main, Jr., ARM3/c Richard H. Pearson, ARM3/c Pierce E. Dissinger, AOM3/c Walter J. (Joe) Forney, S1/c(AMM) Walter J. (Jay) Dunaway, AOM3/c Stanley P. (Danny) Napora, ARM3/c Thomas E. McCoy and self. After training we went to NAS North Island, San Diego, California, for a very short time and then joined VPB-101 and later VPB-197 at Crow's Landing NAAS, CA.. After training completed there 197 was transferred to NAAS Camp Kearney, San Diego, where it was dissolved in August, 1945. I was then assigned to Lt. Cdr. Dennis M. Szabo who was about to form the Navy's first all-weather squadron and from then until I was separated in May, 1946, I flew in Crew 1 with promoted Cmdr. Szabo. I remember how pleased I was when he got the "scrambled eggs" on his cap, especially so because I was promoted at the same time" [E-Mail Updated 05OCT99 | BIO Updated 04AUG98 | 31JUL98]


NEEDHAM, Walt c/o His Son FLAGGER00@aol.com "...My Dad served with VPB-197 and was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and then NAAS Camp Kearny, California from 1945 to April 1946 and then discharged. Dad was a Radioman and Gunner..." [BIO Updated 14JUL2002 | 12JUL2002]


ROGERS, Bruce Vernon [Deceased] c/o His Son Philip Rogers pbro@sprynet.com "...My dad (Bruce Vernon Rogers) flew as a tail gunner and radio operator in PB4Y-1s and 2s. Entered service 3/28/44, Gunnery School at Percell, OK (4 weeks), Radio School at Memphis, TN (18 weeks), Radar School at Memphis, TN (2 weeks), NAS, Miami, FL (5 weeks). He served with VPB-197, VPB-200, and VPB-111. He was a tail gunner and radio operator on PB4Y-1s and PB4Y-2s. Highest rank: ARM3c(T) Awards: Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 star), Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon, Combat Aircrew Insignia (3stars), and the Victory Ribbon American Area. Dad's Date of Separation 1/19/46. He passed away at the VA Medical Center, Feb. 25, 1986..."


SCHMIDT, Don w0anz@arrl.net "...Would like to get in touch with any former combat aircremen who were aviation radiomen and continued on to become radio amateurs. My call is in the callbook (W0ANZ). I was assigned to VPB-197 at the end of WWII. Flight training in NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." [20DEC2002]

SMITH, Donald D. Banner93@Yahoo.com "...Served in VPB-200 as a Radioman/Tailgunner. Searching for roster for VPB-197 and VPB-200. Two names I remember, Lt. Cmdr. Slater (pilot) and Seaman 1st Class Shaw. Would value any helpful information...I served with VPB-197 and VPB-200. Haven't made entry in the guestbook in a long time. Have been unsuccessful at locating anyone with a memory that coincides with mine. Any information regarding rosters, flight events, would be helpful. Would love to share some of my experiences as a tailgunner/radioman. Also served with PB4Y squadron. Helen (daughter of Joseph D Bulone), please reestablish contact; lost your email address. Have an experience to share with you. Thank you, your fellow Shipmate..." [E-Mail Updated 08JAN2000 | Updated 21JUN99 | 01MAR99]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...SMITH, AO1 Roy Leon "Turrets"...Dad passed away this year. He often spoke of his time with VP-72 (walking between the props, etc.) and VP-197. I would like to hear from any of his former Shipmates..." [06JUL2010]


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]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...WISEMAN, AOM3 Hugh...I am looking for any surviving members of VPB-197 Crew 151. My Father, Hugh Wiseman, served from August 1944 to April 46. I have his Flight log book. He flew under LCDR JG Maladay (PB4Y-2). Transferred in June 1945 to MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Please contact me if you remember my dad. William Wiseman dwisemn@bellsouth.net..." [02JUN2009]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...WUETHRICH, CPO Chris...My Father, Chris Wuethrich, who passed away about 5 years ago. According to Dad's DD-214, he served with (and/or aboard) NAS Pensacola, Florida, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VPB-197, VPB-200, VPB-124, VPB-120 and VP-HL-10. Dad served with VPB-124 in July of 1945. His log book indicates that he flew in 3 different PB4Y2'S in and around Kwajalein, Tinian Island (Marianas Chain), and Okinawa. The BUNOS for these planes were 59629, 59536 and 59537. The pilot for all the flights was LT M.R.Wyatt. I have alot of photos, from his tour in NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, but, nothing from his tour in the south pacific. There are very few names and little imformation. My father was an Aviation Machinst Mate, not sure what rank he was at the time, but, have pictures in NAS Kodiak, Alaska as a Chief Petty Officer. If anyone has any imformation that could help my research, I would appreciate it. Kerry Wuethrich ktsw3@verizon.net..." [PIX Added 20AUG2009 | 15AUG2009]


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