Theodore Stephen Condo

Theodore "Ted" Stephen Condo

I was born in Salem, Oregon on March 8, 1921 to Theodore James Condo and Leone Mac Estes. My launch weight was 12 Ibs. My mother's remarriage in 1931 made me a "Navy Brat". As a result, I attended many schools in Washington, Oregon ar California.

In 1941, I was given the opportunity to participate in the government's Civilian Pilot Training Program, and earned my pilot's license.

I left college in October 1941, and enlisted in the Navy's V5 program as a seaman 2nd class. Elimination training was given at the Naval Reserve Base, Oakland, California. I was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi and appointed as Aviation Cadet. Flight training and Ground School was conducted at several bases at Corpus Christi's Complex. Advanced training was at NAS Kingville, where I flew the last of the Navy's biplane fighter aircraft (the F3F). Then, I went on to NAS Miami for operational training in F2A types; followed by Carrier Qualification aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine at Chicago.

In November 1942, I was assigned to VC21 at NAS Alameda. My time aboard the U.S.S. Nassau was a continual memorable experience. Every launch was a catapult at minimum airspeed. There was concern about the undependable Curtiss Electric Propeller which took 33 turns of the crank to retract landing gear AFTER droppinq off the deck to extreme low altitude, and trying to obtain sufficient airspeed. Then there was the issue of recovery on the small deck with very low relative wind.

On 17 April 1942, VC21 came aboard Nassau. I was flying a wingman to the squadron C.O. He was waved off, so I was first to trap. A runner, under the impression that whoever was first on deck has to be C.O. conducted me, without explanation, to follow him to the bridge to see the ship's captain. Somewhat apprehensively I followed, wondering why a lowly Ensign was being summoned, and how had I fouled up. Captain Doyle, surprised by an Ensign instead of a Lt. Commander, gave a gruff handshake and a speedy dismissal.

On 21 April, I drew the duty of target tow pilot during live fire operations. The first few passes were uneventful. I later learned that the gunnery department was less than satisfied by the gun crews performance, and that the crews were exhorted to "Lead the Target". Suddenly, my aircraft was surrounded by tracers. MEMORABLE! Several days later. Ensign Jack Titcomb, who had been my roommate for 8 months, was killed while making an emergency land on San Clemente Island.

On 11 May, VC21 commenced combat operations on Attu. Due to limited ceiling and mountainous terrain, we were forced to commence our attacks from below 1200 feet and to proceed in single file. On my initial pass, I engaged an antiaircraft: position, finishing my pass at less than 100 feet of altitude. My aircraft received damage. We continued our attacks until we were out of bombs and ammunition. After my plane was secured on deck, as I was climbing out of the cockpit, the Plane Captain popped up in my face and exclaimed, "What did you do to my Blank-Blank-Airplane?" And then, as an after thought, he asked, "Are you alright?"

On 14 May, the C.O. and I were sent to attack Japanese positions at Sarana Bay. The C.O. was having radio trouble, so I lead the attack. During our fire strafing run he disappeared without a trace.

On 20 May, three other Ensigns and I were dispatched to an area behind Chicago Harbor to attack Japanese troops who had retreated and were making a last stand long the crest of a ridge. Their positions were very visible. Above the cloud cover the bright sunshine and dirty snow, from digging in, outlined their positions. An Army spotter plane aided us. It was like shooting fish in a barrel - Pick a target and fire. After we made several passes, the spotter reported no further movement. It was SLAUGHTER. VC21 departed Nassau on 30 May for NAS San Diego. Our flight down the southern California coastline was a low level, to show off for the beach crowd celebrating Memorial Day.

VC21 was almost immediately reorganized as VB38 and VF38. VF38, equipped with new F6F Hellcat Fighter Aircraft was put on U.S.S. Long Island for shipment to Espirito Santo. From there VF38 moved up through the Solomon Islands for the campaigns at Munda Point, Bouganville & Rabaul. Along with VF40 and VF33, flying the F6F's in combat for six months before they were officially serving the fleet.

My last duty assignment was with VF(N)108. I was returned to inactive duty in 1945. My hasty wartime marriage ended in 1947.

On 17 July 1949, Jeanne Ellen Craig and I were married in Berkeley, California. During the ensuing 52 years, we have raised 5 children, and have been gifted with 12 grandkids and 0 great-grandkids.

I retired from my supervisory position with a major department store in 1987. Jeanne retired from her hospital in 1988. In August 1989 we moved to Florence, Oregon, and have enjoyed every minute of the past 12 years. In 1993, I was honored by being named "First Citizen , for my volunteer and community endeavors.