Wednesday, January 12

Africa - the land of dense jungles and vast deserts. Landed in Liberia on the African Gold Coast today in 96 degrees of sultriest weather possible. The field is hacked out of jungles just a few miles from the coast on a large river. Up the river is a huge Firestone Rubber Plantation but the rest is all jungles inhabited by natives who are the blackest Negroes I have ever seen.

We went to a beautiful brick building with a tin roof all covered with about 1 foot of thatch - for mess. Had the best meal since I left the U.S. Had a cold shower and slept till briefing then walked over to the bank of the river. The Negroes there were selling Nigerian 2 c. pieces for lOc., gibbon monkeys which they caught wild in the jungles for $3, and of all things - 1st grade whiskey, scotch, or anything you wanted made in U.S. but absolutely unobtainable there.  Where the natives got it we couldn't find out but they sold 14 qts. in just a few minutes for $8 a quart and they had all anyone could ask for across the river at their village.

They speak English almost perfectly and some have been educated at a mission nearby. Tonite they are having a native tribal dance beating their drums and all - it is an eerie sound. They have dugout canoes which they race up and down the river in. The boys who come across the river and said native "jig jig" would come across river that night for those who wanted a prostitute. One little boy was blonde headed and only half black. They are 100% infected with malaria and venereal diseases.

Tuesday, January 11

Off to "The Rock" as Ascension Island is called. I was the only one of our squadron to get off - just can't keep my plane grounded - damn it. After 76 hours of flying we hit the tiny island right on the nose - very lucky I guess. Ascension is a very interesting place - it consists entirely of volcanic ash with almost no plant life at all a little being found on "Green Mountain" the center of the island. The base has been blasted out of solid rock and ash and is quite good considering. All the barracks are out on a cliff overlooking the ocean which is very clear & blue at this spot. We went down to the beach but didn't have time for a swim although it was a beautiful little lagoon entirely surrounded by cliffs.

There are about 50-100 natives on island in a small fishing village which is only resource.

Went to a movie in the evening - theatre was carved out of the lee side of one of many caves. They had just carved ledges on slope of hill and this was the gallery. The screen being placed below on a platform built up. Morale is surprisingly high - some men having been there for 18 months.

Monday, January 10

Thank God for a day of rest - a day spent only in sleeping and a little work on my plane and two briefings. Bought me a pair of boots today - a combination between a military dress shoe, riding boots, and cowboy boots - they are the most comfortable things I have ever seen. Met Louie Ralsh who washed out at primary and is now navigating in B-26 Replacement group.

Have been eating fresh pineapples, oranges, bananas, mango s - all grown around here - they are really wonderful. To bed early for tomorrow we head east across the pond. Rest of squadron is now here - finally caught up with us.

Sunday, January 9

On South again today to Natal - the eastern tip of Brazil and jumping off place to Africa. This part of the country is just like Texas - sandy waste land with some shrubs, enough to make it wonderful cattle country. Flew over Fortaliza - second largest city in Brazil - it is much like Long Beach. Natal is hot and dusty with a steady east wind blowing in off the ocean. It is fairly dry and cool at nights though tonight is the most beautiful night I have ever seen. Full moon, 72 warm breeze, a 300 mile visibility - oh what a night for romance. Went to an outdoor movie and saw best demonstration of morale I have seen in the army. They had a community sing and everyone actually sang - the first time I have ever seen that. The fellows like it here although it is almost completely isolated from civilization. Natal is very small.

Saturday January 8

Brazil with all it's "scenic grandeur." Off at 5:30 on the Colonel's wing. Flew 5 hours over the top and on instruments so didn't get to see Devil's Island off the coast of French. Flew over 400 miles of dense steaming jungles without any habitation whatsoever. Crossed the equator - over 100° and 99% humidity - God. On down across the Amazon - 100 miles wide at the mouth with the huge ever-changing delta. One island 75 miles in diameter of the most fertile delta land in the world - all flat green grass with huge herds of cattle. To Belem and landed. This is Malaria infested country -sleep with mosquito nets and taking atabrine. People here are pretty dark - mostly Indian and speak Portuguese. Had the darndest time with waitresses at dinner trying to learn a little Spanish. Finally learned how to get more water etc. Tried to go to town but no soap. Belem is 3rd largest town in Brazil – 250,000 and is large rubber exporting city. All buildings red tiled roofs and no windows in any buildings - too hot. Rained 2 inch in about 3 minutes this evening - that's a lot. To bed at 8:30. Saving currency of countries we go thru - a short snorter indeed.

Friday, January 7

Off at 5:30 and headed nearer the equator. Passed over Martinique and Santa Lucia which is a really beautiful island. On South to Trinidad where we stopped for gas and lunch. Visibility was 200 miles on most of trip. On from Trinidad down along the jungle covered coast and swamps of South America to British New Guinea. Passed over huge banana plantations & rice fields with their native huts built upon stilts & thatched roofs. Air field where we stay over night is carved right in the middle of the jungle. Surprising as it is everything is modern here at base - very modern barracks, theatre, club and everything.

Even have a multitude of native girls - almost white working here on the base. They are of Portuguese origin and very beautiful. Heat is terrific - so sultry you can hardly breathe. It seems-like an age since we started but was only yesterday. Trip is so exciting never have time to even think. To bed at 8:30.

Thursday, January 6

One of those unforgettable little incidents of human interest. Was at breakfast at the P.X. when a cute little girl came in and sat at the booth next to ours. Naturally I was the wolf and made eyes at her but could only catch hers by accident. As we arose to go I again looked her way and she looked right back and with a damn nice smile she said almost under her breath "Good luck - soldier." The only person who even took the trouble to think of us as we left for the war.

Came down over Nassau again and then over 4 hours of overcast to Dominican Republic and finally Puerto Rico with their high jungle covered mountains and small patches of sugar cane. I have never seen a more beautiful ocean with brilliant blue water, white sand bottom, and beautiful palm trees and green grass.

Air Base is really beautiful. Oh yes - got our secret orders today - will enter destination later. Early to bed & up at 3:30 tomorrow. Staying at Hotel Stevens - one of army barracks so marked each with a name instead of a number.

Wednesday, January 5

Busy as heck with last minute details-briefings, buying clothing and film etc, drawing equipment, a final medical exam and so on. Reloaded my plane for my convenience and got it all repaired - had so many things wrong which I discovered yesterday. Last day in good old U.S.A. but no celebration, feasting, wining, or even reminiscing - too busy. To bed at 9:00 PM - to arise at 4:30.

Tuesday, January 4

Worked like a fool getting ship weighed and loaded. Was issued ammunition, field glasses, etc. and took possession of my plane. Left Savannah at 2:00 PM on a 4 hour fuel consumption flight. Went to Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ft. Meyers, and across the gulf to Key West, up the keys to Miami and landed at Morrison Field at West Palm Beach which is P.O.E. They mean business here-took our A.G.O. passes and made crew post its own guard. Beautiful set up though. Won $35.

Monday, January 3

Loafed most of day but had the usual paper work to go thru. Saw a good picture "Destination Tokyo." Full of propaganda but was really a true story of many very unrelated true events of the war all knit together in one plot. Won $20.