Harold Baker

Harold Baker

I enlisted in the spring of 1942, and went to Great Lakes Boot Camp. In July I moved to the Navy Pier in Chicago for Aviation Machines Mater Training. Upon graduation in January 1943, I was moved to San Francisco and then drafted to board the S.S. Manavoillia on February 1, 1943. On the S.S. Manavoillia I had 0.W. Adams and V.D. Belasone with me. We stood watch over two bi-planes on the upper deck. We arrived at Pearl Harbor and were assigned to CASU #l. our duty was to police the landing strip of debris from the Japanese attack. We were given liberty at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and I recall not liking Honolulu, as it reminded me of a carnival.

February 15, 1943, I was drafted going out aboard the U.S.S. Nassau (Jeep Aircraft Carrier). I was assigned to V - 4 Division, Aviation Engineers.

February 22, 1943 the sea was beautiful, great weather and lots of flying fish.

February 24, 1943 contacted a Japanese submarine, our fighter dropped 2 cans. On the 25th we crossed the equator, and now I'm a worthy Sellback and not a pollywog anymore.

February 27, 1943 contacted another submarine, our destroyer escort destroyed it.

February 28, 1943 crossed the International Date Line, so we lost a day.

March 2, 1943 began getting planes ready to take off. Will catapults the first few to get room. Adams, Bruce, Beasgies and I played rummy. Anchored at Espiritu Santo in New Hebrides. Worked details loading supplies, sure hot here, but feel sorry for those stationed here. They flocked aboard for candy and clothes.

March 21, 1943 left Pearl Harbor at dawn. A plane dove on us and left a message we are going to Frisco, Pier 20 at the foot of Market Street, then we moved to Alameda Naval Air Station. I went on leave until April 8th at 08:00. Arrived in Chicago at 07:30, caught a train to Champaign, Illinois at 09:15, and arrived home at 12:30. I went to Lovington and Decatur. I saw relatives and graves with Irene. Had to leave Irene at 05:15. (Hated to leave!)

April 5, 1945 arrived at Frisco, just in time. Left for San Diego at dawn and arrived at 14:00 on the 14th. Liberty in San Diego. We are loading cargo, we are going somewhere soon. Bought Easter cards of Irene and relatives.

April 19, 1943 Six 4F's crashed; 2 onboard, 2 in drink, and 2 on shore. The S.O.C. made crash landing on shore. (An S.O.C. is an observation plane.)

Joined part of the task force and heading to Attu, Alaska. Dropped anchor at Cold Bay. Snow flakes as big as 50-cent coin. islands covered with snow. We will be joining a big task force. Left Cold Bay in task force for Attu: 3 Battle Ships, 3 Transports, and several Tin Cans. Very foggy all the time.

Arrived at Attu, May II, 1943. Pilots can't find Japs. Three 4F's lost in drink, one crashed on flight deck and had to roll it overboard. Worked all night.

May 10, 1943 too foggy to fly. We are using the 16" guns all day. Sank Japanese sub last night.

May 14, 1943 pilots bombed and staffed Japanese landing strips. We lost 4 planes and 3 pilots.

May 14, 1943 pilots bombed and staffed Japanese landing barges. Submarine spotted and sank.

May 17, 1943 big day. Lost 3 planes and I pilot; 2 in drink, one Marine pilot drowned. Navy pilot on shore with our army. We are running low on bombs and supplies. We must be about through. Worked all night.

May 18, 1943 Captain announced we had been successful. We were heading for Alaska for supplies and to get back to the States.

Holiday today, everyone sleeping or writing letters. Eighteen planes left out of 29.

Arrived in San Diego on May 30, 1943.

I was transferred to San Diego Naval Air Base. Will be given leave and then reassigned.