USAAF 1535th Ordnance S&M
Company (Avn) 1945 History
UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR MONTH OF JANUARY, 1945:
The strength of this organization on 1 January, 1945 was 4 Officers,
and 68 Enlisted Men.
On the 2nd Sgt Gordon L. Wendel was transfered to this organization
from Headquarters Squadron, Far East Air Service Command, APO 565, pp 3,
Special Order #167, Headquarters Far East Air Service Command, APO 565.
He joined the Company at 0900 hours.
On the 6th Captain Merle C. Hollingsworth, O-264540 was assigned to
this organization from Headquarters Far East Air Service Command, APO 565,
pp 13, Special Order #2, Headquarters Far East Air Service Command, APO 565
dated 3 January, 1945. Captain Hollingsworth assigned Command of this
organization on the 10 January, 1945.
On the 13 January, 1945 Private First Class Johnson, Kandefer,
Kirschenbaum, Kunnemann, & Laverty were appointed Technician Fifth Grade
while Privates Boyle, Breen, Brogan, Bullard, Chapin, Laco, Lambert, &
Wilson were appointed Privates First Class.
On the 15 January, 1945 Technicians Fifth Grade Kandefer, Laverty,
and Private First Class Lambert left for Coolangatta on a 7 day furlough.
Captain Jordan, the former Commanding Officer departed on the 17
January 1945 to join his new post with IV Air Service Area Command at
APO 920, pp 10 Special Order #2, Headquarters Far East Air Service
Command, APO 565.
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On the 20 January, 1945 Staff Sergeant Andreacchi rejoined this
organization fr DS with Headquarters Squadron Far East Air Service
Command, APO 565.
The Rotation Quota, consisting of Master Sergeant Kendrick, Technician
Fifth Grade Cohen, & McCarthy was transferred to Rotation Detachment,
Base 3, APO 923 and left the organization 23 January, 1945.
The TDY Quota, Technician Third Grade Cook, and Technician Fourth
Grade Duralja departed on the 25 January, 1945.
On the 31 January 2nd Lieut Paul was appointed Company Supply Officer,
Unit Censor, Unit Intelligence Officer, & War Bond Officer per Company
Order #1, 17 January, 1945.
This organization was alerted to move to a forward area sometimes in
January or February. The whole Unit was busily engaged in packing and
making preparations for this contemplated move. All vehicles were repaired
& checked. The Automotive General Supply section worked day & night for
2 weeks packing a 45 day supply of automotive parts.
ROBERT B. O'BRIEN.
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.,
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UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1945
The equipment of this organization had been packed over a month and
when orders were received to unpack part of this equipment and to resume
third echelon maintenance, many members of the outfit were puzzled. After
a frenzied packing job in the last ten days of December, we had spent
January doing odd jobs and putting the finishing touches on our company
vehicles, while awaiting movement orders. Were we to stay in Brisbane for
several more months? Rumors flew about rapidly for a few days, but as
usual no one knew the real facts.
Operations for the month were unusual in many respects. Normally a
mechanic commences work on a vehicle and determines what parts will be
necessary to repair it. These are listed and then checked by the shop
foreman. If correct, the parts are drawn from the supply room window at
the end of the shop. However, with all parts packed and the excess turned
in to the depot, such a proceedure was impossible. A modified "mail order"
system was introduced. When Joe required a transmission gear, it was
immediately requisitioned from the depot. Arrangements were made for a
speed-up in service and most of the parts were obtained in two or three
days. During this time however, Joe would start another job and when the
gear in question arrived he might be engrossed in overhauling a Dodge
engine, and Jim would have to put in the new gear. Assembling a trans-
mission which someone else has stripped down is a difficult, instructive,
and interesting job. Much experience was gained in this manner during the
month.
The armament section initiated a familiarization course in five wea-
pons for the men in the company. The M 1903A3 rifle, M1 carbine, M1911
pistol, M1 Thompson sub-machine gun, and the M2 heavy barrel machine gun
w ere all fired by the members of this organization. Several men develo-
ped great accuracy with the M1903A3 rifle and scored five bull's eyes out
of five shots often on the one thousand inch range which was used for all
the firing. The general opinion of the pistol was not very high, but the
men were impressed with the power of the heavy machine gun. An inspection
of all small arms in the hands of Air Force units in the area was held by
this organization during the latter part of the month. Nearly all weapons
inspected were in excellent condition. A total of five enlisted men left
the organization during the month to return to the United States. Four
men were on rotation and one for thirty day furlough. During the past
year there has been a large turnover in veterans, and now the recruits and
new men overseas ("Hornets") outnumber the men with two years overseas or
more, about six to one. On the l7th of the month two enlisted men retur-
ned to the organization from a thirty day furlough at home. It was enter-
taining to hear how all the things back have changed for better or worse
since we left. The men about to go home after three years were especially
interested.
On payday each man contributed one pound to the "Party Fund" and on
Saturday 3rd February, a company party was held in the club on the post.
A large civilian band held forth and most of the men had local Brisbane
girls as dates. Sixty gallons of beer went "down the hatch" and the
party was a success all around.
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Each Sunday throughout the month a bus was dispatched to the beach
at Coolangatta, Queensland. The Red Cross and the local girls there
kept spirits high and provided a change from the weekly routine. The
club on the post was open six nights a week and the 1535th was usually
well represented. On party nights, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the
club was well filled.
On Saturday, the 24th, the outfit received an alert to be ready to
move in seventy two hours. Immediately all maintenance work ceased and
repacking operations got in high gear. By Tuesday, the 27th, all was
in readiness. The shop was cleaned out and all boxes piled on fourty
foot trailers ready to be loaded on the train. A convoy of six vehicles
consisting of two wreckers and four mobile shop trucks was prepared to
drive to the destination. These vehicles were too large for the rail-
road bridges and tunnels along the route and could not be loaded on the
train. Two drivers were assigned to each vehicle and the vehicles
greased, oiled and checked in every detail. All were ready to move on
time.
ROBERT B. O'BRIEN,
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
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UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR MONTH OF MARCH, 1945
During the month of March this organization performed no outside
ordnance operations. Efforts were concentrated on moving, servicing,
and reboxing company equipment and vehicles. Therefore this install-
ment of the company history covers only internal activities of the
company.
The long awaited shipment was to come partially realized at last.
After an "alert" of more than two months, we were going to Townsville
by rail as the first step of our journey north. A ride on an "Aussie"
train is an unforgettable experience. The hard seats, jolting road-
bed, half hour lunch stops in small bush towns, and sleepless nights
will be long remembered by the men of this outfit who came to Towns-
ville by train. In spite of hardships the trip was not without humor.
An upset Lister bag and "Blackie", the company cat, provided a share
of the entertainment. Several enterprising men attempted to sleep in
the overhead luggage racks, but most of the company "slept" convent-
ionally on the cramped seats.
The equipment had been sent up earlier on a goods train with a
guard detail of six men and Captain Hollingsworth, the commanding
officer. They had a quiet trip and nothing uneventful happened with
the exception of the breakdown of one railway car, which was left
behind for repairs, attended by Sgt. Kunnemann. The recalcitrant
car finally arrived in good shape, one day late.
Since the mobile shop trucks and wreckers were too large for
the small bridges and tunnels on the railroad, they were convoyed by
thirteen drivers and Lt. O'Brien. These men had perhaps the most
interesting trip, eight days through the heart of south-east Queens-
land. Towns of one hotel, one cafe, and one dirt road loomed large
on the horizion after six hours or so in the bush. The genial
friendship and hospitality of the Australians was universally evi-
dent in the small towns such as Wowan, Gayndah, and Emerald, and
contrasted sharply with the cool attitude sometimes found in Bris-
bane.
By the eleventh of the month, all personnel and equipment were
settled in the new station, Townsville Air Depot. The unit was at-
tached to the 12th Air Depot Group and immediately began the various
company duties, cleaning and repairing the dust laden convoy trucks
and weapons, sorting and repairing the packing boxes and crates,
stencilling new information on boxes and crates, and vehicles, imp-
roving the company area, building an ice chest, performing second
echelon work on all company vehicles, and other similar jobs were
all on the daily schedule.
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Leaving Brisbane and all it meant in women, beer, dances, beaches
and other recreational facilities caused a slight drop in morale. Much
of this was regained when new acquaintances were made in Townsville
after a few "pub-calls". Several married men sent for their wives,
who soon arrived. Thirteen men found March 15th, the usally forbod-
ing "Ides of March", a mighty pleasant day, as they were all promoted
that date. The orders listed a technical sergeant, a staff sergeant,
five technicians fourth grade, and six technicians fifth grade. New
stripes soon blossomed and congratulations were in order all around.
Toward the end of the month a drill and physical training pro-
gram was introduced. Four hours per week were set aside for drill and
two for P.T.. Despite remarks such as , "more doggone basic?", "what",
and("censored"), the ordeal was not as bad as expected. Softball with
sixteen men on a team is a definitely new game. To teach the drill
schedule, the non-coms were given topics on which to prepare short
lectures. This proved of double value; the men learned the new move-
ment and the lecturer gained speaking ability and command presence.
The news from both theaters of war grew more encouraging daily
and a large map was set up in the orderly room with the eastern and
western fronts outlined by thread and pins. As the two approached,
speculation as to the probable date of German collapse increased.
Newspapers were read eagerly for news of advance by our forces.
During the past sixteen months there has been very little am-
munition supply activity by this organization. What little there has
been was handled by two or three men, at first as a separate section
and later through the armament section. The other ammunition men
went to the automotive section which has had the greatest portion of
the work. Now, however, all but one of the old ammunition men have
returned to the United States on rotation, and of the replacements
received only two have taken ammunitioncourses. These two men, Sgt.
Hayes and Sgt. Zabriskie, drew up a two week ammunition familiariz-
ation course for the untrained new men. Thiscourse covers explosives
in general, small arms ammunition, aircraft artillery ammunition, all
types of bombs, and pyrotechnics. It was begun on the 26th with an
attendance of twenty one enlisted men. At the conclusion of the
course a field trip through the USASOS ammunition dump at Kangaroo
will be conducted, and an examination covering the entire course will
be given.
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted.
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 4 * 0 61 ** 0
(b) Net increase during period 0 0 0 0
(c) Net decrease during period 0 0 5 0
(d) At end of period 4 * 0 56 ** 0
* One officer on DS.
** Seven men on TD to US.
ROBERT B. O'BRIEN
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
- 2 - Historical Officer.
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UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL, 1945
April has not been a very eventful month for this company. The
majority of the organization is still awaiting shipment to a forward
area. Meanwhile they have been maintaining the vehicles and equip-
ment. The daily drill period was concluded when Colonel Pettis of
Townsville Air Depot formally announced the death of the President
to the assembled units.
After finishing the ammunition school started last month an
armament school was conducted for one week by the armament section.
An automotive school has been in progress since then and will prob-
ably continue for some time. Those schools have been highly sucess-
ful and attended by almost the entire company, with a great interest
shown by the men.
The company is being well supplied with special service reading
material. A vehicle is dispatched on Sundays for recreation at the
beach or another place. Many men get horses nearby and go riding on
their days off. Beer call is once a week with two bottles per man.
On April 2nd Sgt. Clark was promoted to technician third grade
and Sgt. Zabriskie became a staff sergeant. T/4 Virgil L. Jackson
left the company on 17 April for rotation to the United States. After
two years in this organization 1st Lt. Robert B. O'Brien left the
19th of April for rotation to the United States.
On the 20th of April 2nd Lt. Robert B. Paul and fifteen enlisted
men, comprising the ammunition section, departed by air for detached
service in a forward area. This leaves the company with the smallest
number of men ever present. Capt. Hollingsworth is the only officer
present with the company, Lt. Seim being on detached service with
REFEASC as Ordnance Officer, Lt. Paul on detached service with the
ammunition detachment, and Lt. O'Brien having left on rotation.
1st Sgt. Enoch and T/Sgt. Johnson returned the 22nd of April
from the United States via Brisbane after traversing the eight hun-
dred miles between Brisbane and Townsville in two weeks. They were
guarding some equipment that had just been procured, and the delay
enroute being caused by bridge washouts on the Australian railroad.
Pfc. Paul Schmerer was reassigned to this organization from the
hospital, arriving 27th of April.
Newspapers are secured by the supply sergeant from Townsville
daily. About one third of the company subscribes to the Townsville
Daily Bulletin. Brisbane morning papers are also sold here the
night of the same day. The men have been watching closely the col-
lapse of Germany and realize that soon all attention will be given
to this theater in the Far East.
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Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted.
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 4 0 56 0
(b) Net increase during period 0 0 1 0
(c) Net decrease during period 1 0 1 0
(d) At end of period 3 * 0 56 ** 0
* Two officers on detached service.
** Five men on TD to U.S. and fifteen on detached service.
MERLE C. HOLLINGSWORTH
Capt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
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UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR THE MONTH OF MAY, 1945
May completes the third month since the arrival of this organization
at Townsville Air Depot. No one expected to be here that long and some
are now speculating on how many more months we will be here. At first
conditions were a little more rugged than Brisbane, but it is hard to
realize now whether conditions actually improved or whether we have become
used to them.
On the third of the month Staff Sgt. Lee Radford (6745175) joined
this unit*1. Also on the third Tec 5 Francis H. Lambert (31426742) retur-
ned from a hospital in New Guinea, having developed blood poisoning while
enroute to the 617th Ordnance Amm. Co (Avn) for detached service, he was
left at the hospital by the rest of the detachment *2.
2nd Lt. Robert B. Paul (O-1555605) was promoted to 1st Lt on the
14th of March, the orders were not received until 4 May, 1945. *3 Tec 4
Philip Porto left for two weeks detached service in Brisbane on 4 May. *4
On May 10th the company welcomed back from temporary duty in the United
States Tec 4 Ralph V. Draughn (34116830) *5, this leaves four men still
on TD in the U.S. of whom three are eligible for discharge under the
point system.
The company lost a good man when Sgt. William S, Higgins (32392910)
was transferred to Headquarters Far East Air Service Command, departing
15 May, 1945 *6. There was one promotion this month, Cpl. Johnnie A.
Dornak (38158513) was appointed Tec 4 (Temp) effective 15 May, 1945 *7.
T/Sgt. Royal G. Donnell (37377521) and T/5 Joseph O. Johnson (34842829)
were placed on detached service with Lt. Norman R. Seim at Rear Echelon
Far East Air Service Command and left this station 17 May, 1945 *8.
T/4 Philip Porto already in that area was also given detached service
with Lt. Seim.
The only operations outside of internal organizational functions
has been mainly that of the ammunition detachment and in the last half
of May we have had a small detachment of eight men working in a motor
pool at Townsville Air Depot.
1st Lt. Robert B. Paul and fourteen men, comprising the ammunition
section of this organization, now on detached service with 617th Ord.
Ammunition Co (Avn), 2210 Ordnance Bn., APO 72, completed and handled
the following ammunition renovation work for a four weeks period from
30 April, 1945 to 27 May, 1945 inclusive:
a. Good bombs (Para-Frag) 4580
Bad bombs (Para-Frag) 80
Total 4660
b. Good parachutes 2042
Bad parachutes 1765
Total 3807
c. Parachutes repacked 1461
Expended on test flight 40
Total 1501
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d. Finned frag clusters disassembled 1900
e. Frag bombs greased and plugged 4260
(nose and tail cavities)
f. Bombs defuzed 322
g. Good cannisters 1171
Bad cannisters 3798
Cannisters straightened 957
Total 5926
h. Cannisters stenciled ("RPKD 5-45") 1300
i. GP demolition bombs overhauled 827
Production was hindered by rainy weather in the second week,
which resulted in a slowing down of parachute drying and storing.
Complete assembly line production system has been worked out and
is now in use. "Bad" frag-bombs include those with broken or bent
lugs, no back plated. Overhauling of demolition bombs consists of
brushing rust from and greasing nose and tail plugs, cleaning and
greasing cavities, cleaning, greasing, and rethreading fin retain-
ing rings and threads. The daily shift was made up of twelve men.
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 3 0 56 0
(b) Net increase during period 0 0 1 0
(c) Net decrease during period 0 0 1 0
(d) At end of period 3 * 0 56 ** 0
* Two officers on detached service.
** Four men on TD to U.S. and seventeen on detached service.
APPENDIX
Extracts from morning reports.
*1. M/R 3 May, 1945
6745175 Radford, Lee S/Sgt.
Above EM trfd in gr. to this org., pp 31, SO# 112, Hq. FEASC,
APO 323, dated 28 April, 1945. Joined on 3 May 1800 hrs..
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*2. M/R 3 May, 1945
31426742 Lambert, Francis H. T/5
From DS enroute to join 617 Amm. Co Det., APO 72, pp 1, SO # 58,
Hq. TAD, APO 922, to absent sick (LD) Yes, 237th Station Hospital,
APO 322 Unit 1, to duty with this Co 1700 hrs..
*3. M/R 4 May, 1945
O-1555605 Paul, Robert B. (Ord) 2nd Lt.
Promoted to 1st Lt. AUS, pp 4, SO # 71, Hq. USAFFE,
date of rank 14 March, 1945.
*4. M/R 5 May, 1945
33675270 Porto, Philip T/4
Above EM from duty to DS at APO 923, pp 2, SO # 68, Hq. TAD, APO
922, dated 4 May, 1945.
*5. M/R 10 May, 1945
34116830 Draughn, Ralph V. T/4
From TD with 265th Repl. Co (AAF) APO 923, to duty 1900 hrs..
*6. M/R 15 May, 1945
32392910 Higgins, William S. Sgt.
Above EM trfd in gr. to Hq. Sq. FEASC, APO 323, pp 2, SO # 77,
Hq. TAD, APO 922, departed 2300 hrs..
*7. M/R 16 May, 1945
38158513 Dornak, Johnnie A. Cpl.
Above EM aptd T/4 (temp) eff. 15 May, 1945.
*8. M/R 17 May, 1945
37377521 Donnell, Royal G. T/Sgt.
34842829 Johnson, Joseph O. T/5
Above 2 EM reld from this org. & placed on DS w/Det #2 Hq. & Hq. Sq.
FEASC, APO 923, pp 4, SO # 76, Hq TAD, APO 922. Departed 1900 hrs.
Amended by pp 2, SO # 78, Hq. TAD, APO 922.
*9. M/R 17 May, 1945
33675270 Porto, Philip T/4
Above em from duty to DS at APO 923 to DS w/Det #2, Hq. & Hq. Sq.
FEASC, APO 923, pp 4, SO # 76, Hq. TAD, APO 922. Amended by
pp 2, SO # 78, Hq. TAD, APO 922.
MERLE C. HOLLINGSWORTH
- 3 - Capt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
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UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1945
This month found the company still awaiting transportation from
Townsville Air Depot to a forward area. Fourteen of the twenty nine men
present were working in the post motor pool and the remainder were in
company headquarters or maintaining our equipment.
On the first day of June Staff Sergeant Kenneth H. Zabriskie was
promoted to the grade of Technical Sergeant (Temp) and Technician Fifth
grade Walter G. Bullard was appointed Technician Fourth grade (Temp).*1
The eleventh of June 1st Lt. Carl Braverman joined this organization
coming from Headquarters Squadron, Far East Air Service Command.*2
After gaining an officer we lost 2nd Lt. Norman R. Seim, who was on
detached service with REFEASC, to Headquarters, Far East Air Service
Command.*4
T/4 Leo W. Huffman left on rotation to the United States on 12
June, 1945. He was the last of many men who left on rotation. This
leaves only seven of the "Old Timers" in the company who have fourty
months overseas and some who have been home on temporary duty.*3
On 14 June Pfc. Paul Schmerer was transferred in grade to Head-
quarters * Headquarters 45th Air Service Group, APO 922. *5. S/Sgt.
Lee Radford was placed on temporary duty with the 45th Air Service
Group and shortly after went home on a special rotation quota. *6 & 7
Our ship finally came in and on the ninth of June we began to
load it. By the fifteenth all of the company's supplies and vehicles
were on board and the ship ready to sail. T/Sgt. William C. Hadden
went with the equipment as guard. *8
After the cargo ship left, the men stored up on that good Aussie
beer and prepared to leave Australia, most of them having had from one
to more than three years service in Australia. Nine men who were or
are now in the company married Australian girls during their stay in
Australia.
The ammunition section was still on detached service with the
617th Ordnance Ammunition Co (Avn), 2210 Ordnance Bn., APO 72, Having
completed their ammunition renovation work, Lt. Paul and the fourteen
enlisted men of the detachment were commended for their work by Major
E. T. Little, Ordnance Officer of V AIr Service Area Command Depot #2. *9
After finishing the renovation work the section began to operate a
local bomb dump. The following is a summary of the renovation work
completed by the detachment:
a. Cannisters straightened, repacked, arming wire attached,
and stenciled. 2700
b. Bad cannisters disposed of as scrap. 5800
c. Bomb bodies (M-72 Frag) renovated and
stacked for storage. 12400
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d. Bad parachutes issued to P.C.A.U. 2800
e. Good parachutes dried and packed for storage 900
f. G P bombs renovated 4500
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 3 0 56 0
(b) Net increase during period 1 0 1 0
(c) Net decrease during period 1 0 1 0
(d) At end of period 3 * 0 53 ** 0
* One officer on DS at APO 72 and one on DS at APO 923.
** Fourteen enlisted men on DS at APO 72, three on DS at APO 923,
and four on TDY to the U. S. A.
APPENDIX
Extracts from morning reports.
*1. M/R 2 June, 1945
S/Sgt. Kenneth H. Zabriskie (32910505) was appointed T/Sgt. (Temp)
by SO # 90, Hq. Townsville Air Depot, dated 1 June, 1945.
T/5 Walter G. Bullard (42019240) was appointed T/4 (Temp) by SO #
90, Hq. Townsville Air Depot, dated 1 June, 1945.
M/R 11 June, 1945
*2. 1st Lt. Carl Braverman (O-1576960) was releived from assignment to
Hq. Sq., FEASC, APO 323, and assigned to this organization by pp 1,
SO # 152, Hq. FEASC, APO 323, dated 9 June, 1945
*3. M/R 12 June, 1945
T/4 Leo W. Huffman (15098079) was relieved from this organization
and attached unassigned to 262 Repl. Co., 93 Repl. Bn. (P), APO 72,
pp 1, SO # 149, Hq. FEASC, APO 323, dated 6 June, 1945.
*4. M/R 14 June, 1945
2nd Lt. Norman R. Seim(O2037392) was relieved from this company and
assigned to Hq. FEASC, pp 8, SO #152, Hq. FEASC, dated 9 June, 1945
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*5. M/R 14 June, 1945
Pfc. Paul Schmerer (32313535) was transferred in grade to Hq. &
Hq. Sq. 45th Air Service Group, APO 922, by pp 9, SO # 97, Hq.
Townsville Air Depot, APO 922, dated 12 June 1945.
*6. M/R 14 June, 1945
S/Sgt. Lee Radford (6745175) was placed on TD with Hq. & Hq. Sq.
45th Air Service Group, APO 922, by pp 10, SO # 97, Hq. Townsville
Air Depot, dated 12 June, 1945.
*7 M/R 21 June, 1945
S/Sgt. Lee Radford was relieved from TD with Hq. & Hq. Sq. 45th
Air Service Group, and relieved from this organization and att-
ached un-assigned to 262 Repl. CO., 93 Repl. Bn. (P), APO 72, by
pp 1, S) # 158, Hq. FEASC, APO 323, dated 15 June, 1945.
*8 M/R 21 June, 1945
T/Sgt. William C. Hadden (33080452) was attached to 332nd Depot
Repair Squadron, APO 75, by pp 6, SO # 99, Hq. Townsville Air
Depot, dated 15 June, 1945.
*9 Letter from Major E. T. Little, Ordnance Officer, V Air Service
Area Command, Depot # 2, dated 11 July, 1945, file # AG 471.
ROBERT B. PAUL
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
===============================================================================
UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR JULY, 1945
After months of waiting the company embarked from Townsville,
Australia, bound for the Philippines.*1 Leaving Townsville on the fifth
we travelled through the Coral Sea where many of the men became seasick.
Life on the liberty ship USS John B. Floyd had it's advantages and
disadvantages. The monotony of the trip, trying to keep clean, and the
stuffy air in the holds were some of the disadvantages. The Navy mess
on board was excellent. Most of the men were amazed at how good state-
side food can be after years of Australian food in Australia and New
Guinea. Another advantage we had long missed was the latest music from
the states that was played daily over the public address system.
After sixteen days at sea and passing through the China Straits,
Milne Bay, and Hollandia Bay, we arrived at Manila Bay on the 21st of
July, 1945.*2 We spent the next two nights on the ship and on the
23rd disembarked in LCM's. We were to be stationed at Nichols Field
and arriving there we were met by the ammunition detachment who had
come here from Leyte eleven days previously and were already set up in
barracks.*3
It was three months since we had last seen the men of the detach-
ment. The detachment had unloaded our vehicles and supplies and were
standing guard on the equipment. As this was not to be a permanent
station, nothing was unpacked or set up that was not necessary to
operate the company.
The new officers joined the company upon our arrival.*4 1st Lt.
James B. Felker and 2nd Lt. William G. Corpe. Lt. Felker was desig-
nated assistant automotive officer and Lt. Corpe assumed the duties of
supply Officer and unit censor. On the 30th of July, T/5 Joseph J.
Kandefer was promoted to T/4 (Temp).*5 During the month there were no
operations outside of the company.
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 3 0 53 0
(b) Net increase during period 2 0 0 0
(c) Net decrease during period 0 0 0 0
(d) At end of period 5 0 53 * 0
* Four men on TDY to the U. S. A.
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APPENDIX
Extracts from morning reports.
*1. M/R 5 July, 1945
Company consisting of 29 enlisted men and 2 officers departed
from Townsville, Qeensland, Australia, by water for Manila P. I.
at 1000 hours on vessel Y-43, USS John B. Floyd.
*2. M/R 21 July, 1945
Arrived Manila Harbor at 1317 hours.
*3. M/R 23 July, 1945
Company consisting of 29 enlisted men and 2 officers arrived at
Nichols Field, Manila, at 1900 hours.
*4. M/R 24 July, 1945
1st Lt. James B. Felker (Ord) O-155204 was relieved from assign-
ment to Hq. Sq. FEASC, APO 323 and assigned to this organization
by pp 5, SO # 170, Hq. FEASC, APO 323, dated 27 June, 1945.
2nd Lt. William G. Corpe (Ord) O-2038134 was relieved from
asignment to Hq. FEASC, APO 323 and assigned to this organization
by pp 19, SO # 171, Hq. FEASC, APO 323, dated 29 June, 1945.
*5. M/R 30 July, 1945
T/5 Joseph J. Kandefer 42022976
Above enlisted man was appointed T/4 (Temp) effective 28 July,
1945 by pp 9, SO # 164, Hq. VASAC, APO 351, dated 28 July, 1945.
ROBERT B. PAUL
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
===============================================================================
UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR AUGUST, 1945
During the month of August the activities of this organization
have mainly been concerned with the maintenance of our equipment,
guarding the unit's vehicles and supplies, and repairing motor vehicles
in the third echelon shop. The automotive section completed twenty
two job orders, seven consisted of minor jobs and the remaining fifteen
were major overhaul jobs.
The company had only twenty eight men available for actual ord-
nance operations out of a total strength of fifty one enlisted men,
nine of this total were either on TDY or DS and the remainder of this
total were in headquarters, on guard, on in the hospital.
Two enlisted men returned to the United States during August,
Sgt. John M. Gartland returned by the point system and T/4 Darrell L.
Dyer was evacuated by the Medical Department. Both men had an adjusted
service rating score of ninety eight points and were the first to
leave this company under the point system. * 1&2
T/3 Amos Cook who was in the United States on TD was transferred
to the separation center at Fort Bliss Texas. * 3 Sgt. Stanley T. Zdun
was transferred to this organization from Headquarters, V Air Service
Area Command. * 4 Sgt. Zdun was the first enlisted men to join the
company as a replacement in the last ten months. T/4 William B. Hayes
was promoted to T/3, T/5 Robert A. Yoos and T/5 Ervin E. Knight were
promoted to the grade of T/4. * 5 After three months on detached
service in Brisbane, T/5 Joseph O. Johnson returned to the company. * 6
The surrender of Japan was the best news we had heard in a long
time. That and the best army chow we have had overseas and the latest
movies have raised morale to a new high.
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 5 0 53 0
(b) Net increase during period 0 0 1 0
(c) Net decrease during period 0 0 3 0
(d) At end of period 5 0 51 * 0
* Three men on TD to US and four men on DS.
- 1 -
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APPENDIX
Extracts from morning reports.
*1. M/R 11 August, 1945
T/4 Darrell L. Dyer (19064401) relieved from assignment and
attached unassigned to Det. of Patients 51st General Hospital,
APO 75, Authority: par. 3b USAFFE Reg. 50-25.
*2. M/R 19 August, 1945
Sgt. John M. Gartland (39161692) transferred in grade to 138th
Replacement Bn. (Avn), APO 714, par. 22, SO # 210, Hq. FEASC,
APO 323, dated 15 August, 1945.
* 3. M/R 25 August, 1945
T/3 Amos Cook (18089222) transferred to Separation Center, Fort
Bliss, Texas, par. 18, SO # 131, Hq. War Dept. Personnel Center,
dated 12 May, 1945
*4. M/R 27 August, 1945
Sgt. Stanley T. Zdun (36126771) transferred in grade to this
organization from Hq. & Hq. Sq., V Air Service Area Command,
APO 351, par. 6, SO # 188, Hq. VASAC, APO 351, dated 23 August,
1945.
* 5. M/R 29 August, 1945
T/4 William B. Hayes (34803128) appointed T/3 (Temp) effective
28 August, 1945, par. 4, SO # 192, Hq. VASAC, APO 351, dated
28 August, 1945
T/5 Ervin E. Knight (17127474) and T/5 Robert A. Yoos (33600805)
Above two EM appointed T/4 (Temp) effective 28 August, 1945, par. 4,
SO # 192, Hq. VASAC, APO 351, dated 28 August, 1945.
* 6. M/R 31 August, 1945
T/5 Joseph O. Johnson (34842829) from DS with Det. # 2, Hq. & Hq.
Sq., FEASC, APO 923, to duty, par. 12, SO # 98, Hq. Rear Echelon,
FEASC, APO 923, dated 20 August, 1945.
ROBERT B. PAUL
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
- 2 -
===============================================================================
UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR SEPTEMBER, 1945
During the month of September the company waited for transportation
to Japan. September had a greater change in personnel than any other
month in the history of company. On the fourth, seven "old timers" with
long service overseas went to the 138th Replacement Bn. to wait for a
ship to the states. They included 1st Sgt. Enoch, T/Sgt. Johnson, T/3
Clark, T/3 Cushman, T/3 Harman, T/4 Draughn, and T/4 Grose. After being
absent from six to ten months on TDY to the United States, S/Sgt. Amaral,
T/4 Duralja, and T/4 McKenzie were dropped from the roll of this unit.*1&2
Sgt. S.A.D. Smith left the company the seventh of September for
discharge under the policy of discharges for men thirty eight years of
age.*3 The following promotions became effective the fifth: S/Sgt.
McLemore to 1st Sgt., S/Sgt. Andreacchi to T/Sgt., T/4 Burmeister and T/3
Hayes to S/Sgt., T/4's Dornak, Kehs, Kunnemann, and Sourbier to T/3.
T/5's Breen, Brongofsky, Buonpane, Duran, Lambert, Laverty, and Wright to
T/4.*4
T/4 Laverty was attached unassigned to the 51st General Hospital on
the 14th of September.*5 M/Sgt. C. L. Smith went to the Replacement Bn.
on the 22nd of September.*6 Thirty three enlisted men of the 1617th Ord.
S&M Co (Avn) were transferred in grade to this organization on the 25th
of September.*7 2nd Lt. William G. Corpe was transferred to the 81st
ADG prior to leaving for the states.*8 T/Sgt. William C. Hadden was also
transferred to the 81st ADG.*9
The 26th of September left Nichols Field, Manila and boarded the
LSMs that had been loaded with the organizational equipment. The equip-
ment was on three landing ships medium. The officers and men were divided
into two equal groups, one group was on the LSM 45 and the other on the
LSM 240.*10
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted
Ground Flying Ground Flying
Officers Officers EM EM
(a) At beginning of period 5 0 51 0
(b) Net increase during period 0 0 33 0
(c) Net decrease during period 1 0 16 0
(d) At end of period 4 0 68 0
- 1 -
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APPENDIX
Extracts from morning reports.
*1. M/R 4 September, 1945
1st Sgt. Mark Enoch (17056238), T/3 Sheffield H. Harman (34186900)
T/Sgt. Norval T. Johnson (37056614), T/3 Thomas J. Clark (15098477),
T/3 Frank J. Cushman (16038958), T/4 Ralph V. Draughn (34116830),
T/4 Floyd S. Grose (15089406)
Above 7 EM are relieved from this organization and attached unassig-
ned to 138th Replacement Bn. (Avn), APO 714, Par. 1 SO# 196 Hqs.
VASAC, APO 351, dated 1 September, 1945.
*2. M/R 5 September, 1945
S/Sgt. Louis F. Amaral (19065572), T/4 Ira D. McKenzie, T/4 Anthony
J. Duralja (13048018) (15114806)/
Above 3 EM are dropped from roll of this organization, Par. 6 ,
SO # 198, Hq. VASAC, APO 351, dated 4 September, 1945.
*3. Sgt. Silas A. D. Smith (39392665)
Above EM relieved from this organization and attached unassigned to
138th Replacement Bn. (Avn), APO 714, Par. 8, SO # 246 Hqs. FEASC,
APO 323, dated 3 September, 1945.
*4. M/R 7 September, 1945
S/Sgt. Marvin McLemore (38419927) Aptd. 1st Sgt.
S/Sgt. Salvatore P. Andreacchi (32179219) Aptd. T/Sgt.
T/4 Norman H. Burmeister (39249034) Aptd. S/Sgt.
T/3 William B. Hayes (34803128) Aptd. S/Sgt.
T/4 Johnnie A. Dornak (38158513) Aptd. T/3
T/4 William S. Kehs (33051170) Aptd. T/3
T/4 Melvin H. W. Kunnemann (35892626) Aptd. T/3
T/4 John F. Sourbier (36178388) Aptd. T/3
T/5 Louis J. Breen (31426756) Aptd. T/4
T/5 Seymour S. Brongofsky (36776573) Aptd. T/4
T/5 John . Buonpane (xxxxx31353698) Aptd. T/4
T/5 Ross . Duran (38351648) Aptd. T/4
T/5 Francis H. Lambert (31426742) Aptd. T/4
T/5 Thomas S. Laverty (31440245) Aptd. T/4
T/5 Walter W. Wright (37615802) Aptd. T/4
Effective 5 Sept., 1945. Par. 24, SO # 199, Hqs. VASAC,
APO 351, dated 5 Sept., 1945.
*5. M/R 14 September, 1945
T/4 Thomas S. Laverty (31440245)
Relieved from assignment and attached unassigned to Detachment
Patients 51st General Hospital, APO 75 (LD Mes)
- 2 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*6. M/R 22 September, 1945
M/Sgt. Clarence L. Smith (38007221)
Above EM relieved from this organization and attached unassigned
to 138th Replacement Bn (Avn), APO 714, Par. 1 SO # 196 Hqs.
VASAC, APO 351, dated 1 Sept., 1945.
*7. M/R 25 September, 1945
Following named 33 EM are transferred in grade to this organization
from 1617th Ord. S&M Co (Avn), APO 351, Par. 13, SO # 211, Hqs.
VASAC, APO 351, EDCMR 22 Sept., 1945, Joined 0800 Hours. -
*8. M/R 25 September, 1945
2nd Lt. William G. Corpe (O-2038134) relieved from this
organization and transferred to HQ. & HQ. Sq. 81st Air Depot
Group, APO 351, Par. 10, SO # 214, Hqs. VASAC, APO 351.
*9. M/R 25 September, 1945
T/Sgt. William C. Hadden (33080452) relieved from this organization
and transferred in grade to Hq. & Hq. Sq. 81st AIr Depot Group,
APO 351, Par. 9, SO # 214, Hqs. VASAC, APO 351.
*10. M/R 26 September, 1945
Company consisting of 59 EM and 4 Officers departed from Nichols
Field, Manila, P. I. by water for APO 611 at 2000 hours. LSM 240
and LSM 45.
ROBERT B. PAUL
1st Lt., Ord. Dept.,
Historical Officer.
- 3 -
===============================================================================
UNIT HISTORY OF THE 1535TH ORDNANCE S&M CO (AVN) FOR OCTOBER, 1945
The company spent the first half of the month dodging typhoons and
beatin slowly northward to Japan aboard two LSM's. On 12 October, 1945
the ambition of all Pacific troops was realized by the members of this
organization as we debarked in Tokyo. *1. After 45 long months, the original
709th Ordnance Co. has completed the long trek from "Melbourne to Tokyo".
True, it was with a new name, "1535th Ordnance S&M Co (Avn)", and a complete
change of personnel, but the spirit still remained.
Before the landing ramp was down, Capt. Hollingsworth had gone ashore
to find our quarters and make all necessary arrangements. This done, the
unloading began on a 24-hour, three shift basis. In general, the unloading
moved along smoothly, marred only by the usual flat tires and broken boxes.
The company was assigned to VII ASAC and the men went to work in VIIASAC
shops. *2. This was a new experience for the unit, as in the past we have
operated independently. Under the centralized system there are no 1535th
shops as such. Therefore it is difficult to compile material for an historical
record of Ordnance operations.
Soon after debarking, several problems developed: food, mail, hot
showers, and the demobilization program among others. For several weeks the
messing situation has been rather tedious with much repetiton of such staples
as pancakes and beans, and no bread. Toward the end of the month, the
situation improved noticeably. Hot showers were finally set up, much to the
relief of the tropically acclimatized troops. Mail was unknown for the first
ten days, then came a deluge. At the end of the month it was coming fairly
regularly.
Of course the biggest topic of discussion was the demobilization program.
Everyone was greatly relieved to see that the situation was well under control
in Japan. During the month 13 EM and 1 Off were transferred to the
Replacement Depot. *3,4,5. With the loss of our Commanding Officer, Capt.
Hollingsworth, 1st. Lt. Carl Braverman assumed command. *6
The recreational program was excellent with one netable exception:
the absence of feeding facilities in Tokyo makes eating in town impossible.
A recreational vehicle is provided evenings and Sundays, and the Japanese
railroad system carries men on weekend pass to the resorts. Beer, candy, and
tobacco are obtainable, and a club has been opened to handle the former.
Strength of Personnel - Commissioned and Enlisted
Grd Off Flyg Off Grd EM FlygEM
(a) At beginning of period 4 0 68 0
(b) Net increase during period 0 0 0 0
(c) Net loss during period 1 0 13 0
(d) At end of period 3 0 55 0
--1--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX
Extracts from morning reports.
*1. M/R 12 October, 1945
Record of events; Company consisting of 60 EM and 4 Off arrived
at Hanesa Airdrome, Tokyo, Japan.
*2. M/R 12 October, 1945
1535th Ord S&M Co (Avn) assigned VII ASAC Par 1, TMB # 3, Head-
quarters, FEASC, APO 323, dated 25 September, 1945.
*3. M/R 19 October, 1945
T/4 Robert A. Yoos (33360805) Relieved from assignment this
organization and attached unassigned to 11th Replacement Bn.,
(Avn) APO 710, Par 2 SO #38, Hqs, VII ASAC, APO 611, dated
16 October, 1945.
*4. M/R 24 October, 1945
T/Sgt Salvatore P. Andreachhi (32179219)
T/Sgt Granual L. Masingale (38444791)
S/Sgt Norman H. Burmeister (39249034)
S/Sgt Raymond G. Switzer (37340247)
T/3 William S. Behs (33051170)
T/4 Alois W. Stratman (18070171)
T/5 Joseph O. Johnson (34842829)
Above EM relieved from assignment this organization and attached
unassigned to 11theReplacement Bn. (Avn) APO 710 Par 1 SO #38,
Hqs, VII ASAC, APO 611, dated 17 October, 1945.
Capt. Merle C Hollingsworth (O-264540) Relieved from assignment
this organization and attached unassigned to 11th Replacement
Bn. (Avn) APO 710 Par 1 SO #40, Hqs. VII ASAC APO 611 dated
19 October, 1945
*5. M/R 27 October, 1945
T/Sgt Harold D. Woods (35163871)
S/Sgt Omni l Pajula (39662695)
T/4 Dominici A. Aruzzese (32404671)
T/5 Joseph M Larkin (6856555)
Above EM relieved from assignment this organization and attached
unassigned to 11th Repl. Bn. (Avn) APO 710. dated 25 October 1945.
*6. M/R 25 October, 1945
1st Lt Carl Braverman (O-1576950) Asuumed command this
organization Par 19 SO #39, Hqs., VII ASAC, APO 611, dated
25 October, 1945.
ROBERT B. PAUL
1st Lt., Ord Dept.,
Historical Officer.
-2-
===============================================================================