Description At the end of the Second World War, Japan was occupied by the Allied Powers, led by the United States with contributions also from Australia, British India, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. This foAt the end of the Second World War, Japan was occupied by the Allied Powers, led by the United States with contributions also from Australia, British India, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. This foreign presence marked the first time since the uni... More
Memories Transferred from the Second Section of the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion to the 1st SpecTransferred from the Second Section of the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion to the 1st Special Naval Construction Battalion.
Arrived in Sasebo, Japan in late October, 1945. Spent about 6 weeks before leaving in late November or early December 1945, and was discharged from the Navy at Camp Perry, VA, 25 Dec 1945.
Bulding the Navy's Bases in World War II: History of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and the Civil Engineer Corps, 1940-1946 Department of the Navy Bureau of Yards and Docks"
In October, the regiment (41st Naval Construction Regiment) was reformed to include the 38th, the 127th, and the third section of the 31st Special. The 31st had been divided into four sections on Saipan. Section 1 embarked September 29; arrived at Kure, Japan, on October 8; lay at anchorage five days; and then was ordered to return to Guam. The second section embarked from Saipan on September 28; reached Sasebo, Japan, on October 22; was inactivated on November 5, its personnel being transferred to the First Special Battalion. The third section had sailed from Saipan September 20; reached Yokosuka on October 4; and remained to work at the naval base. The fourth section was given orders to embark for Ominato, Japan, but these were cancelled. >/i ... More
Best Moment
Getting orders to return to the United States and my family!
Worst Moment
Didn't know what to expect. The Japanese had been the enemy for so long, and they were fierce and brutal fighters.
Other Memories
Transferred from the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion to the 1st Special Naval Construction Battalion to occupy Japan in the fall of 1945.
The Second Section of the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion departed Saipan on September 28, 1945; reached Sasebo, Japan, on October 22; was inactivated on November 5, with all personnel being transferred to the 1st Special Naval Construction Battalion
Spent about 6 weeks with this unit doing sheet metal work and stevedore tasks.
Shipped back to the States in late November or early December.
Criteria Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation ... Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows: Italy: November 8, 1945 to December 15, 1947, Trieste: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1954, Germany (exclusive of Berlin): May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955, Berlin: May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990, Austria: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955, Asiatic-Pacific Area: September 2, 1945 to April 27, 1952. Units performing service in the Korean area during the period of June 27, 1950 to April 27, 1952, inclusive, and which are eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal for the same period. MoreHide
Description On 10 March 1945, the U.S. Eighth Army—under Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger—was formally ordered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to clear the rest of Mindanao, with the start of Operation VICTOR V, with exOn 10 March 1945, the U.S. Eighth Army—under Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger—was formally ordered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to clear the rest of Mindanao, with the start of Operation VICTOR V, with expectations that the campaign would take four months. Eichelberger had misgivings about the projected timetable for the operation, but nonetheless, his Eighth Army staffers came up with a more effective plan.
Instead of the expected headlong frontal assault on the Japanese defenses, the plan called for securing a beachhead at Illana Bay in the undefended west, then a drive eastward more than a 100 mi (160 km) through jungle and mountains to strike from the rear. The objective, which called for achieving surprise and pressing forward quickly and aggressively by the invading forces, deemed Eichelberger, could unhinge the Japanese both physically and psychologically. The key to the operation's success involved the beachhead performance of the landing force and the ability of the participating units to maintain the momentum of their attack, preempting Japanese reactions, and hopefully before the rainy season started which would complicate movement in the island.
Ground operations were assigned to X Corps under Maj. Gen. Franklin C. Sibert, with Maj. Gen. Roscoe B. Woodruff's 24th Infantry Division and Maj. Gen. Clarence A. Martin's 31st Infantry Division as principal combat units. Amphibious Task Group 78.2 (TG 78.2)—under Rear Adm. Albert G. Noble—was tasked to carry the 24th Division and X Corps headquarters to the assault beaches near Malabang by 17 April to secure a forward airfield. Five days later, the 31st Division was expected to be in Parang, 20 mi (32 km) south, located near Highway 1, the route to Davao.... More
Memories Arrived at Saipan after the Battle for Saipan was completed, but Japanese forces in small pockets stArrived at Saipan after the Battle for Saipan was completed, but Japanese forces in small pockets still held out until 1946, occasionally doing sabotage operations.
Stood watches on the camp and job site perimeter defenses.
The 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion did not engage with the enemy during the 11 months on Saipan... More
Best Friends
Chief Metalsmith (Sheetmetal Worker) Charlie Wagner James Parks (fellow band member) Charlie Gross Bernie Nee several others .
Best Moment
Playing in the band, Baritone horn. Song often requested by audience: "I Sent For You Yesterday"
Flew on a B-29 with a buddy from the Army Air Corps who was a waist gunner on the aircraft during a test flight after they replaced an engine.
Watching the airplanes take off on neighboring island, Tinian, which could be seen from Saipan. A better view was available from a high point on the South end. This is where the A-Bomb was sortied from. Pete does not think that it is likely they were watching when the Enola Gay took off, nor would they have been told due to secrecy.
The airplanes from Saipan were so overloaded that when they cleared the end of the airfield, which ended at a cliff edge, they would drop almost to the water before gaining enough speed.
End of war and anticipation of a discharge to go back to civilian life! .
Worst Moment
Being away from family.
Most places were secure on the island, but we did have the occasional gunfire from Japanese who had gone into hiding on the Island after the US invaded it. We also experienced random theft of supplies and food, most likely from the same Japanese. .
Chain of Command
Sheetmetal Shop - Chief Metalsmith (Sheetmetal Worker) Charlie Wagner . Pre-commissioning (most stayed with the 31st when it was commissioned): CDR Charles E. Nash, OIC (for only a few days) LCDR Thomas A. Bradford, OIC LTJG Russell L. Bennington ENS Gene L. Larson ENS Frederick H. Miller, Disbursing Officer ENS Richard D. Wells, Personnel Officer LTJG Gerald Martin, Company Commander, D Co. (Doctor) William Mosig, Medical Officer (Doctor) Edwin A. Shoemaker, Medical Officer (Chaplain) Joseph E. McCabe, Chaplain ENS Marvin M. Kress, Transportation Officer ENS Philip Knutzsch LT Eugene Ripley Carpenter Ralph J. Philips (Battalion CPO?)
Post Commissioning: CDR Thomas A. Bradford, Commanding Officer LT Fred Franks, Executive Officer (temporary) LT George D. Mitchell, Executive Officer
Other Memories
Went through Seabee Boot Camp and then Stevedore training at Camp Perry, VA, November 1943 to March 1944. Started out as a Seaman 3rd Class. Made Rate as a Metalsmith (Sheetmetal Worker) 3rd Class shortly after landing on Saipan. Made 2nd Class prior to being transferred to the 1st Special Naval Construction Battalion in the fall of 1945.
The 31st Special was formed 8 April 1944 at Camp Perry, VA, from the pool of Seabee stevedores, and commisioned a month later.
A unit band was formed while they were still at Camp Perry, in which Pete played the Baritone horn. Each member supplied their own instruments. The band played at several social and ceremonial events, especially on Saipan.
Arrived for follow on Seabee training at Camp Endicott, RI (Davisville, RI) on 12 April 1944 via train. 3 weeks of combat arms and skills; 3 weeks of technical skills (occupational) & stevedore training.
There was a lot of speculation about where the 31st Special was going: Europe was seriously considered, but eventually it was decided that they were to ship out to the Pacific theater. Once there, more speculation occurred.
More Seabee and Stevedore training for the unit was conducted at Port Huenem, CA, prior to deploying overseas.
- - - - Boarded the U.S. Army Transport Sea Marlin on 11 September 1944 and landed on Saipan in October 1944. The 17th NCB from Port Hueneme was also transported on the same ship.. No showers (cleaned up at a sink), cramped spaces, poor quality food and meals only twice a day. Time on deck during the day was spent vying for little spots of shade.
Sailed from Port Hueneme to Hawaii as a single ship, arriving on 16 September and anchoring in Pearl Harbor ... did not debark. Weighed anchor 5 days later, on the 21st, and sailed towards the war, this time as the flagship of a convoy.
Crossed the International dateline on the 25th of September, 1944, precisely at 1520 at 15 degrees North Latitude, Everyone was presented a membership card in the Order of the Golden Dragon.
On the 30th, Eniwetok Atoll of the Marshall Islands was made, to take on stores, and departing the next day. The islands of Saipan and Tinian were first sighted on 5 October 1944, but the convoy had to anchor outside the harbor due to rough seas. On the 6th, they moved inside the harbor anchoring until a space was cleared at Dock C, at 1700.
Here their first mail was received, which was read while they waited debarkation orders, that process beginning at 2100. A temporary camp was located and everyone pitched pup tents in the dark, with a little assistance from a light plant.
First shower since leaving Port Hueneme was the second day after landing on Saipan when it rained and everyone washed up as best they could. Lived in pup tents until a more permanent camp could be built.
Quartered with the Band in HQ Company, but worked during the day in the Sheetmetal Shop. Built and maintained a lot of Quonset Huts! Also assisted with stevedore operations when extra labor was required. Also built the sheet metal music stands for the musicians in the band, another person did the artwork painted on them. Also stood security watches in 2, 3, or 4 section duty (they changed according to security threats).
- - - - There was an all black Special Naval Construction Battalion on Saipan ... maybe the 22nd?
the 31st Special was slated to be a part of the invasions of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Japan. In the first two cases, it was decided to go with a regular NCB, in the later, the invasion did not take place due to Japan's surrender.
After the surrender of Japan, the 31st Special was divided into 4 sections, with one remaining in Saipan, one going to Guam, one being re-assigned (transferred) to the 1st Special in Sasebo, Japan, and one as a Detachment to Yokosuka, Japan.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Getting orders to return to the United States and my family!
Didn't know what to expect. The Japanese had been the enemy for so long, and they were fierce and brutal fighters.
Transferred from the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion to the 1st Special Naval Construction Battalion to occupy Japan in the fall of 1945.
The Second Section of the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion departed Saipan on September 28, 1945; reached Sasebo, Japan, on October 22; was inactivated on November 5, with all personnel being transferred to the 1st Special Naval Construction Battalion
Spent about 6 weeks with this unit doing sheet metal work and stevedore tasks.
Shipped back to the States in late November or early December.