Captain Ernest Emery Harmon: Aviation Pioneer During the Golden Age ofFlight

by Bill Harmon

As a trailblazing Army pilot during the golden age of aviation, Capt. Harmon was a towering figure both literally, and figuratively. With a stature of 6'6", he would have exceeded the height limitation for pilot training candidates in the Air Force today. Popular among his contemporaries, it was only fitting that they nicknamed him "Tiny".

His contributions to early aviation are significant. He participated in many air races during the 1920s, winning many. And, he set many speed records when flying between cities. On one occasion in 1919, he flew several military passengers from Washington, D.C. to New York City. Also on board for that flight was his wife, Harriette Alexander Harmon. This event is documented in newspapers at the time recognizing her as the first female ever to travel by air between the two cities.

Ernest Emery Harmon (Photo: The Harmon Family)

In 1919 Harmon was selected to pilot the historic "Around The Rim" flight. The goal of this mission was to fly, counter-clockwise, from city to city around the border of the continental United States, often navigating simply by the "iron compass" (i.e. following railroad tracks). The intent was to test the endurance of the Martin MB-1 bomber and it's Liberty motors. It was also intended to promote the development of more landing fields and aviation safety procedures and to inspire more young men to enlist in Army pilot training.

Often, during The Rim mission, which took four months to complete, Harmon was required to land his open cockpit Martin MB-1 bomber in farmers fields due to the lack of a nearby airstrip. On one occasion in a field in Jay, NY his "heavy" bomber broke a landing gear strut, causing the plane to rapidly tilt forward and nose dive into the ground. Harmon and his crew spent the following month rebuilding the airship on the spot where it had crashed in order that they could continue their assigned mission.





A permanent display is on exhibit at the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, that pays tribute to Harmon, and his crew, for the successful completion of the "Rim" flight. It was a milestone aviation achievement in its day, making headlines in newspapers across the country. Hundreds of fans, including movie stars, dignitaries, and politicians, would show up at the local airfield just to witness the Martin MB-1s arrival and departure.

On a lighter note, in 1924, while stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C., Harmon learned that the quarterback of the University of Maryland football team, Pete Quesada, had taken on a summer job as a lifeguard when swimming was still allowed in the Tidal Basin on the Washington mall. Harmon swam out to Quesada's lifeboat, hopped in, and offered to take Quesada flying. Recognizing this as a rare opportunity, Quesada jumped at the opportunity. After their flight the next day, Quesada eagerly enlisted in the Army's flight training program. Harmon had completed his hidden agenda, recruiting a talented quarterback for his intramural military football team.

Meanwhile, Pete Quesada was promoted through the years to the rank of General. He is credited with developing the breakthrough strategy of providing close air support to ground troops during warfare. Most notably, General Quesada was the commanding officer of all air support, under Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower, during project "Overlord", the WWII D-Day invasion.

During the 1920s, while stationed at Bolling Field, Harmon, and his family (wife Harriette & 3 sons William, Robert, Ernest Jr.) resided in Takoma Park, Maryland. He and his children became quite popular with the other kids in the neighborhood. Long before all the FAA airspace restrictions that exist today in the D.C. area, Harmon was known to often "buzz" (fly low) over his neighborhood, just above the treetops, and drop bags of candy to the ecstatic children below.

Also while living in the DC area, Harmon performed extensive patent research at the United States Patent Office. He became a recognized expert in the emerging field of aeronautical engineering, and in parachute technology. From this perspective, it is both ironic, and tragic, that Harmon lost his life while trying to find a safe landing spot in dense fog on a flight to Mitchel Field, Long Island. In an open cockpit Douglas O-25C, with no electronics (i.e. no IFR), Harmon was desperately trying to find a break in the weather when he ran out of fuel. At the last minute, he jumped from the plane in an attempt to parachute safely to the ground. By that time, he did not know that his plane was too low.

In a tribute to him five years after his death, an old pal of his, William Joseph Collins wrote the following: 

"Tiny" old friend I wish that you knew

How all the boys at the field miss you

Your booming voice and your happy smile

Your glad "hello" to both rank and file

Your outstretched hand, and encouraging word

And an optimism undeterred

But the one thing we'll ne'er replace

Is that boyish grin upon your face

And I'll wager, if only us mortals could see

That you're leading the flight into eternity

In his own words, the "Wizard of the Air", as Harmon was often called, described his love of flying:

"There is nothing like it. It is much easier than driving a motor car. Nothing in your path but a few birds, and no check on your speed. You know, down on earth there are so many speed traps and a motorist must check up, even though he has a high powered machine and could sprint a bit. But, the only regret I have is the fact that I was kept from getting overseas and into action. I would liked to have had a chance at the Kaiser's airmen. They would have had to hustle to get away if I was driving a LePère".

An annotation to his biography published in "Who's Who in American Aeronautics" states "The Army lost some of its potentially great leaders during the 1920s and 1930s. Capt. Harmon was one of them".

In his honor, Harmon Field in Newfoundland, Canada was commissioned by an act of Congress on June 23, 1941. It was later renamed Harmon Air Force Base on July 1, 1948. It was the home base for the U.S. Air Force strategic air command during the Cold War.  Harmon Drive on the grounds of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Tx. provides a lasting tribute to his memory.

Note: Captain Harmon died in a plane crash in 1933, and never had the opportunity to meet the young, fresh-faced beauty named Elaine Danforth, who would marry his son, Robert, in 1941. Like her father-in-law, Elaine loved to fly, even going against her mother's wishes, and joining the WASP. Also, like Captain Harmon, Elaine was interred, with full military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery.

We are grateful to the Harmon family for sharing their stories with us.

Letters From Arthur: Epilogue

by Jess Clackum

Private First Class Arthur A. Hersh died on 18 October 1945 in Asa Higawa, Hokkaido, Japan. He was just 29 years old and only a few points shy of earning his ticket home as he had talked about in his final letter dated 6 September. 

Arthur died from "complications of dysentery, severe diarrhea and hookworm infestation." The only personal effects on him at the time of his death were his Philippine Liberation Ribbon, a fountain pen and crucifix.  He was buried at 1500 hours on 23 October 1945 at the United States Air Force Cemetery in Yokahama, Honshu, Japan, with Chaplain Morris Adler presiding. The location of his grave was Plot USAF, Row 2, Grave 83.

Just three days before Arthur's death, on 15 Oct 1945, the 77th Infantry Division landed in Japan for Operation Downfall which was originally to be the occupation and final phase of the war until the Japanese surrendered in August.

Arthur's unit, the 77th Infantry Division, returned to the States in March 1946.

On 31 August 1948 the U.S. government relocated Arthur, as they did many deceased soldiers, from his military grave in Japan back to the family plot in New York. He was received in Brooklyn on 7 January 1949 and interred in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Queens, New York. His parents Isaac (who died in 1968) and Yetta (who died at the age of 103 in 1979) are buried next to him.

According to the National Archives Arthur served 20 Mar 1942 to 18 Oct 1945. Prior to his death he received the WWII Service Label Button, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Combat Infantryman's Badge, European African Middle Eastern Campaign with one Bronze Service Star and the Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Cluster, the latter of which was awarded posthumously. 

In 2006 the Department of the Army, who had been incredibly helpful to me during my research, reissued Arthur's medals and ribbons to our family. I presented these medals to my mother, who had always felt a connection to her father's twin brother though she was born eight months after his death.
 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="466.0"] Arthur's reissued ribbons and medals. (Photo: Jess Clackum) [/caption]

My grandparents, Bill and May, had always told us Arthur had contracted dysentery and died on the island of Leyte. I don't fault them for getting it wrong as so many years had passed, it's only normal details would've been forgotten.

During the course of my genealogy research, in 2004, I'd found that the little information I'd been given wasn't enough, I needed to know what happened to Arthur. It was as if some invisible force was pushing me forward in this mission and I refused to give up. Unfortunately for me when I began asking the important questions, my grandfather had been gone some twenty years and the only ones left who knew anything were Arthur's oldest brother Dave and my grandmother May. Because Dave was in his 90s and in poor health, he was not much help so I relied upon my grandmother, who was 87 at the time, for every tidbit of information she could recall. I told her that even insignificant minor details would help. She did the best she could and so all I had to begin my search was the memories she shared and the surviving letters she and gramps had kept safely tucked away for nearly sixty years.  It wasn't much but it was all I had.

I combed through census records, WWII databases, forums, and message boards, which proved helpful in pointing me in new directions. Along the way I learned quite a bit about the 77th Infantry and the men who served in it. The real breakthrough came when fellow WWII researchers pointed me in the direction of the U.S. Army Personnel Records Center. Even though a fire had destroyed most of the personnel records from that era, there were still other records available in other locations. The staff I worked with at the Army Personnel Records Center were incredibly helpful and I gained major headway when, two years after I'd begun my research, I received Arthur's Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF). For me, that file was gold. The IDPF contained enough information to help me finally put the investigation to rest.

Once I learned what really happened to Arthur and where he was buried, I began the process of trying to find men who had served with him who might remember him. I knew my chances were slim to none especially given the advanced age of those still living and the fact so many were dying at such a rapid rate but I had to try. Once again I frequented message boards, military forums and utilized social media.

Luck struck again when I found a man named Benno Levi, who served as a Private First Class in the 3rd Platoon of the 305th Infantry. As it turns out, Benno knew Arthur, they had been friends. They met for the first time in February 1944 at Camp Pickett shortly before Benno joined Company A.

The first time Benno emailed me, surprised but elated that I'd found him, he recalled, "We were both on a Sunday pass leaving camp on a bus to Richmond, Virginia. After that we met occasionally and talked about home and families." 

Benno told me that back in September 1945, he'd had no idea that Arthur had been ill and had been shocked later to learn of his death. After all, in Arthur's letter dated 6 September, just over a month before his death, he made no mention of being ill, instead was looking forward to reaching the necessary 80 points so he could return home. As you may recall in his final letter dated 6 September he'd already had 75 of 80 points.

During the time of Arthur's illness and death, Benno and his fellow soldiers had been busy taking over occupation duties as the first unit to arrive on Hokkaido. Benno said they were undergoing significant changeover of personnel including high ranking officers in command. The enlisted who had earned their points and served the longest in Company A were sent home. Had he lived, Arthur would've been among them.

As I continued to try and locate other men Arthur had served with, which to this day I've had no luck, I also embarked upon an equally difficult task---locating Arthur's former girlfriend Mary Brockel and former fiancee Pearl Greenbaum. Sadly, despite all my best efforts, to this day, I have not been able to locate either of them. 

When I began this quest, I started with very little information -- things told to me by my grandparents and 44 letters from Arthur that they'd managed to preserve over the years. I had no idea that my research would result in what was tantamount to finding buried treasure but that's exactly what it turned out to be. I started with many questions and ended with more answers than I thought I would ever find. Though Arthur died long ago, the mystery surrounding his death felt like a lack of closure, for all of us. Discovering the truth gave us a sense of peace---like Arthur was finally, truly at rest. I still think about him and what his life was like fighting in a war he best described as hell on earth, and what it must've been like so close to the only thing he truly wanted -- to go home -- and knowing he would never get there.

Over the years I've heard so many wonderful stories about what a kind, generous, compassionate and artistically talented man Arthur was, I just wish my parents and we kids would've had the chance to know him. I've often wondered what it would have been like to grow up with both Arthur and gramps around together.  I am quite sure it would've been great!

"I so often wonder when I'll be heading home and it seems like years...my thoughts are constantly of home and the pleasant things and people I left behind." 

Arthur Abraham Hersh

26 Nov 1915 - 18 Oct 1945

Letters From Arthur #44: 6 Sep 1945, Cebu

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640.0"] Filipino residents of Cebu City welcome American soldiers in September 1945. (National Archives) [/caption]

Though sporadic fighting continued, General MacArthur announces the liberation of the entire Philippines. The casualty list is staggering with the US death toll is 11,921 with 42,970 injured or captured.  During this time, American forces were planning "Operation Downfall" which was to be the invasion of Japan which never took place because of the surrender of the Japanese in August 1945.

The official signing of the surrender took place on 2 September 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Missouri.


Dear May & Bill,

It's quite a few days since our last active correspondence. Now that censorship has been lifted I can now mention that we're on the Island of Cebu in the Philippines. The weather here has been on the rainy side in the past few days.

The point system has me on pins and needles. The critical score right now is 80 and I have 75 points up to date. Isn't it wonderful? I'm up for a Bronze Star Award as that will give me the required 80 points! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for future luck and the quick journey home to those I miss so much.

How are you coming along with the house? You'll probably be leaving there when I return and looking forward very much to seeing you. Best of luck and regards and love to Joan.

Your Brother

Arthur

 

View rare archival footage of the Japanese surrender.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDao1oty9Kg&w=560&h=315]

Letters From Arthur #43: 15 July 1945, Cebu

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="465.0"] The first successful test of the first atomic (plutonium) bomb, Alamogordo, NM (Photo: Bubbasoft.com) [/caption]

In July, the 77th I.D. moved to Cebu in the Philippines and prepared for the invasion/occupation of Japan.  On July 16th, the U.S. Army successfully tested the world's first atomic bomb in Alamogordo, New Mexico.   

 

Dear May & Bill,

This is the first chance I've had to write. We finished the fighting on Okinawa and we're now back in the Coconut country. For a deserved rest, so now I know I shall be able to write more freely and oftener.

Have received all of your letters and glad to know you both are well. Have you as yet moved into your new cottage? If so, send me the address. For all I know you might have established new residence already. We moved so fast in this corner of the globe it's been hard for the mail to catch up to us.

Have you heard from mom and dad or Pearl. Oh yes - Pearl did say she received a darn nice letter from you, and she's enthusiastic about meeting you both. From your letters, she surmises that you must be two swell people and she's not kidding, she isn't wrong in thinking by a long shot. I feel sure you'll be great friends. I'm getting up in the points. I need 85 and I've 71 already. Let's look forward to our meeting again by next Easter. I hope anyway.

Let's hear from you. Best regards

Most Sincerely,

As Ever

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #42: 7 June 1945, Okinawa

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="564.0"] American bombs falling on Kobe, Japan, 4 Jun 1945 (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

In the first few days of June 1945, twenty-seven American P-51 Mustang fighters were lost during bad weather on their way to an assault on Osaka, Japan. Over 400 B-29 bombers dropped over 3,000 tons of incendiary bombs on Kobe, Japan. 
 

"Okinawa"

Hiya May and Bill

Thanks lots for the letter that I received today, in which I found enclosed photo of the cute little home you bought in NJ. I like it a lot and I'm sure after you complete the furnishing of it, it will be that "Home Sweet Home". I envy you.

So you did get the Jap money I sent you. Good. As soon as I can, I'll send you other things that can be mailed. Hope everything is riding smoothly for you both. I sure hope someday to be able to do the same for Pearl, that is settle down and have a home of our own. I know she'd like hearing from you all because she has mentioned that she's anxious to meet my twin. She has already met most of our immediate family and they're crazy about her, and I'm sure you'll like her too, she's a sweet girl with plenty of humor, in an exotic sort of way. Here's the address, drop her a line May.

Miss Pearl Greenbaum
2074 Mohegan Ave
Bronx, 60, New York

Lots of luck and do write when you can.

Thanks Bill, but there isn't a thing I need except my discharge papers - but that will come in due time whenever we push the damn Jap off the map of the earth. My best to you both.

Always,

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #41: 24 May 1945, Okinawa

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="564.0"] Private John Drugan, USMC and his war dog. Okinawa, May 1945 (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

The 10th Army reached the capital of Okinawa with heavy fighting on the island. Over 125 Japanese planes were shot down. US troops captured the airbase on Mindanao while the B-29 bombers committed the hardest assault on Japan to date with over 3,500 tons of bombs.

On 25 May 1945, the day after Arthur's letter was written, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff approved Operation Olympic, the invasion of Japan, scheduled for 1 November.

 

Dear Bill and May:

Just a few lines to let you know that I am fine and thinking of you, despite the fact that we are kept rapidly busy on the fighting front. I know that you don't hear from me as often as before, but our progress here in the Pacific keeps us pretty much tied down to these wartime obligations.

Pearl wrote me and told me that she's looking forward with great enthusiasm to meeting you both, I hope when you get established in your new home, you'll invite her out, I'm sure she'd be happy to visit with you.  May, why don't you drop her a line, here's her address:

Miss Pearl Greenbaum
2074 Mohegan Ave
Bronx, 60 New York

Good luck and let's hear from you real soon.

As ever,

Arthur

Letters from Arthur #40: 17 May 1945, Okinawa

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600.0"] Demolition crew watches explosive charges detonate and destroy a Japanese cave, May 1945. (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

Nine days earlier on 8 May 1945, the Allied Forces celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Dear May & Bill -

Please excuse this message on blank stationery but here I sit amidst the ruins somewhere on the Island. Have a few moments of rest so no time like the present to get a few words in to you. Have received all of your letters and am always glad to hear from you. I'm doing fine and no Jap has got me yet.

I'm pretty careful because I'm looking forward with great anticipation to getting back to good ole USA. There's nowhere like it. Fighting still in full swing here, we've gotten the Japs where we want them, they know their doom is near. The campaign isn't over yet, so I'll be more careful yet. Hope you like your new job and have you gotten your house yet?

Am enclosing some Jap genuine currency. I got off a Jap the other day. Am sure you've never seen it before. It may be a little smelly but then they are all that way. You've no idea how happy I am to receive mail from all of you. Incidentally, my girl Pearl writes she's looking forward to meeting you both. After all you will be her sister and brother in law. I hope when you open up house, you'll get her address from mom's and write her down, unless you think it better to wait till I get home someday.

Have you heard about the point system leading to discharge? Well it's 85 points and I've only 72 perhaps in a few months I'll get the other points.

Aside from fighting, life here is very dull and near morbid. Say, have you ever tried the new "C" rations, they're damn good. Hope you all are fine, give May my very best. Tell her that soon as I get out of this turmoil I'll drop her a personal letter.

Good luck to you both and best to Joanie.

Your devoted brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #39: 11 May 1945, Okinawa

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600.0"] GIs from the 77th Infantry Division man a machine gun nest on the island of Shima, May 3, 1945. The M1919 machine gun was the standard issue for the US Army. (Photo: WWII Today) [/caption]

On 11 May 1945, the United States Government established the Point System to determine the time of return for enlisted military personnel to the States. 


Dear Bill and May

Forgive me if you haven't heard from me in the past few weeks. We were kept quite busy fighting on Zamami, where we established a Naval base for the Okinawa operation and then went on towards Okinawa when we invaded the Island of Ie Shima off the Coast of Okinawa. It was the worst fighting I've seen yet. We had to contend with as many land mines and booby traps and so I'm nearly grateful to God for having come thru successfully again, with not even a scratch.

I shall write you from time to time so do not worry. We're kept so busy so far we've three campaigns of major operation and five missions I take to our credit. Love to Joanie. Regards and good luck. I'm thinking of you all.

Your devoted Brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #38: 28 April 1945, Okinawa

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400.0"] Marines help an aged Okinawan to safety as a third Marine of the party carries the man's meager possessions. (Photo: Dept of Defense/USMC) [/caption]

The Battle of Okinawa took place April through June 1945. Okinawa, located in the Ryukyu Islands, south of Japan was the site of the the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater. The Battle of Okinawa was the largest sea-land-air battle in US history and the last major battle of World War II.  

Dear Bill and May -

Received your letter of the April 11th and glad to hear from you again. Did you like the souvenirs I sent home? I have a nice souvenir for you Bill. I have a Japanese box flashlight in a canvas case. I know you'll like it. How about a Jap pen? Let me know and I'll send them to you as soon as authorities permit.

I'm feeling fine after my third major operation. And thankful to God, that I am able to enjoy God's sunshine again.

Okinawa my dear brother is in the Ryukyus Islands which lie between Formosa and Japan proper. See your local Rand McNally map for further information. As for Japanese money, it is not worthless since I go through hell to get it and at times getting it is quite dangerous. So you can readily see, when doughboys get souvenirs, it isn't simply like picking up a morning paper. I'll send it to you soon.

Best to May and Joan.

Your brother

Arthur

"I, for one, am profoundly grateful that my one talent, my only knowledge, flying, happens to be of use to my country when it is needed." --Cornelia Fort, WAFS

FlyGirls remembers ... December 7, 1941

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450.0"] Cornelia Fort with a PT-19A. (Photo: U.S. Air Force) [/caption]

Cornelia Clark Fort was born to a wealthy and prominent family in Nashville on February 5, 1919. The Sarah Lawrence College graduate showed an interest in flying at an early age and later earned a number of licenses including instructor, private, transport, seaplane and commercial. In 1942, Fort, who had made history as the first woman flying instructor in the state of Tennessee, became the second member of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), the predecessor to the WASP.

Cornelia Fort would make history again as one of the first witnesses to the attack on Pearl Harbor. On the morning of December 7th, she was instructing a student pilot in the sky over Pearl Harbor when she saw a military aircraft approach her at high speed. She immediately pulled up and noticed the rising sun on the side of the plane. Moments later, the attack began. An enemy plane targeted her plane in the air and as she tried to land. When she finally landed, she and her student ran for cover. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="605.0"] A page from the Cornelia Fort's logbook noting the events she witnessed on the morning of December 7th:  "Flight interrupted by Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. An enemy plane shot at my plane & missed & proceeded to strafe John Rodgers, a civilian airport. Another plane machine gunned the ground in front of me as I taxied back to the hangar." (Photo: Nashville Public Library) [/caption]

___________________

At the Twilight’s Last Gleaming, by Cornelia Fort, published in a “Women’s Home Companion“, July 1943.

I KNEW I was going to join the Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron before the organization was a reality, before it had a name, before it was anything but a radical idea in the minds of a few men who believed that woman could fly airplanes. But I never knew it so surely as I did in Honolulu on December 7, 1941.

At dawn that morning I drove from Waikiki to the John Rogers Civilian airport right next to Pearl Harbor, where I was a civilian pilot instructor. Shortly after six-thirty I began landing and take-off practice with my regular student. Coming in just before the last landing, I looked casually around and saw a military plane coming directly toward me. I jerked the controls away from my student and jammed the throttle wide open to pull above the oncoming plane. He passed so close under us that our celluloid windows rattled violently and I looked down to see what kind of plane it was.

The painted red balls on the tops of the wings shone brightly in the sun. I looked again with complete and utter disbelief. Honolulu was familiar with the emblem of the Rising Sun on passenger ships but not on airplanes.

I looked quickly at Pearl Harbor and my spine tingled when I saw billowing black smoke. Still I thought hollowly it might be some kind of coincidence or maneuvers, it might be, it must be. For surely, dear God . . .

Then I looked way up and saw the formations of silver bombers riding in. Something detached itself from an airplane and came glistening down. My eyes followed it down, down and even with knowledge pounding in my mind, my heart turned convulsively when the bomb exploded in the middle of the harbor. I knew the air was not the place for my little baby airplane and I set about landing as quickly as ever I could. A few seconds later a shadow passed over me and simultaneously pullets spattered all around me.

Suddenly that little wedge of sky above Hickam Field and Pearl Harbor was the busiest, fullest piece of sky I ever saw.

We counted anxiously as our little civilian planes came flying home to roost. Two never came back. They were washed ashore weeks later on the windward side of the island, bullet-riddled. Not a pretty way for the brave little yellow Cubs and their pilots to go down to death.

The rest of December seventh has been described by too many in too much detail for me to reiterate. I remained on the island until three months later when I returned by convoy to the United States. None of the pilots wanted to leave but there was no civilian flying in the islands after the attack. And each of us had some individual score to settle with the Japs who had brought murder and destruction to our islands.

When I returned, the only way I could fly at all was to instruct Civilian Pilot Training programs. Weeks passed. Then, out of the blue, came a telegram from the War Department announcing the organization of the WAFS (Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron) and the order to report within twenty-four hours if interested. I left at once.Mrs. Nancy Love was appointed Senior Squadron Leader of the WAFS by the Secretary of War. No better choice could have been made. First and most important she is a good pilot, has tremendous enthusiasm and belief in women pilots and did a wonderful job in helping us to be accepted on an equal status with men.

Because there were and are so many disbelievers in women pilots, especially in their place in the army…Officials wanted the best possible qualifications to go with the first experimental group. All of us realized what a spot we were on. We had to deliver the goods or else. Or else there wouldn’t ever be another chance for women pilots in any part of the service.

We have no hopes of replacing men pilots. But we can release a man to combat, to faster ships, to overseas work. Delivering a trainer to Texas may be as important as delivering a bomber to Africa if you take the long view. We are beginning to prove that women can be trusted to deliver airplanes safely and in the doing serve the country which is our country too.

I have yet to have a feeling which approaches in satisfaction that of having signed, sealed and delivered an airplane for the United States Army. The attitude that most nonflyers have about pilots is distressing and often acutely embarrassing. They chatter about the glamour of flying.

Well, any pilot can tell you how glamorous it is. We get up in the cold dark in order to get to the airport by daylight. We wear heavy cumbersome flying clothes and a thirty-pound parachutes. You are either cold or hot. If you are female your lipstick wears off and your hair gets straighter and straighter. You look forward all afternoon to the bath you will have and the steak. Well, we get the bath but seldom the steak. Sometimes we are too tired to eat and fall wearily into bed.

None of us can put into words why we fly. It is something different for each of us. I can’t say exactly why I fly but I know why as I’ve never known anything in my life.

I knew it when I saw my plane silhouetted against the clouds framed by a circular rainbow. I knew it when I flew up into the extinct volcano Haleakala on the island of Maui and saw the gray-green pineapple fields slope down to the cloud-dappled blueness of the Pacific. But I know it otherwise than in beauty. I know it in dignity and self-sufficiency and in the pride of skill. I know it in the satisfaction of usefulness.

For all the girls in the WAFS, I think the most concrete moment of happiness came at our first review. Suddenly and for the first time we felt a part of something larger. Because of our uniforms which we had earned, we were marching with the men, marching with all the freedom-loving people in the world.

And then while we were standing at attention a bomber took off followed by four fighters. We knew the bomber was headed across the ocean and that the fighters were going to escort it part of the way. As they circled over us I could hardly see them for the tears in my eyes. It was striking symbolism and I think all of us felt it. As long as our planes fly overhead the skies of America are free and that’s what all of us everywhere are fighting for. And that we, in a very small way, are being allowed to help keep that sky free is the most beautiful thing I have ever known.

I, for one, am profoundly grateful that my one talent, my only knowledge, flying, happens to be of use to my country when it is needed. That’s all the luck I ever hope to have.

Letters From Arthur #36: 20 Apr 1945, Ie Shima

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="594.0"] Two U.S. M4 Sherman tanks knocked out by Japanese artillery at Bloody Ridge, 20 April 1945. (Photo: WW2 Archives) [/caption]

Dear May, Bill & Joanie

Received Bill's letter the other day and I was indeed glad to hear from you all again. Of course the letter was dated February 10th. A little late, I guess, however it was good hearing from you again.

In a way I was glad to hear that you chose to reside in N.J. instead of going out to California. It may appear selfish of me when I say if I ever get home, it will be nice to see you in N.J. And if you had been living in the Pacific Coast it might have been a little different.

However, all I desire is to finish off the dreadful business of warfare and return home to you soon in the near future. Regards and love to Joan.

Your Devoted Brother,

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #34: 25 Feb 1945, Leyte

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="850.0"] "Mop up" patrols on Leyte, February 1945. (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

By the end of February 1945, Americal units (The Americal Division formed in New Caledonia in May 1942, the name taken from "Americans in New Caledonia") were spread over the western peninsula of Leyte hunting the last of the Japanese units in what was referred to as a "mop up" operation. Americal encountered a number of Japanese defensive positions. After less than two months on the island, they killed some 3,500 enemy soldiers in a bloody operation. 

Dear May and Bill-

Received your letter today and I was indeed glad to hear from you as always before.

I'm glad you were able to get a car. I had thought it a big problem getting those rarities, perhaps you got a real buy, well I'm glad for your sake and I hope you both get a lot of pleasure out of it. This is one thing I'd like to get once I get out of the service.

Yes May, Pearl and I hope to tie the knot as soon as I can get home and as I mentioned before May, I expect you to be Maid of Honor, since Pearl's family would like her to have a real large affair (wedding) and I guess I'm for it too although the large cost of one is so unnecessary don't you agree May dear?

Hope you received all of my letters in which I mentioned thanks for all of your packages, you sent me. Even me with much needed toilet articles, I really needed it. Thanks a million. I shall write soon again. Best of luck. I think of you at all times. Love to Joanie. Best to you.

Your Devoted Brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #32: 2 Feb 1945, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600.0"] M4 Sherman Tanks Fight the Japanese At Subic Bay, Philippines February 1945 (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

On 3 February, the Battle of Manila would commence. It was a major battle of the 1944-45 Philippine campaign with an alliance of American and Filipino forces. The battle would last one month and result in a complete devastation of the city as well as the deaths of over 100,000 civilians. It was the worst urban fighting in the Pacific theatre. The Battle of Manila put an end to the three-year Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

 

Dear May & Bill,

These past few weeks I've been busy covering a lot of ground. The papers state that the Island is secure. Hardly think so, especially with we having to mop up here and there.

Bill asked me if I was a Rifleman, no Bill I am in with the Communications of this Battalion, which takes me into the front lines at all times. I'm equipped with a carbine for protection and believe me I've escaped death quite a few times. When I return home I shall show you all sorts of Jap souvenirs I've gone after and gotten.

May dear, a few moments ago I received your Christmas package. The most ideal gift and the best I've received.  so far for the holiday. Believe me, May, your packages have always been the best of choice.

Everything I found in them were delicious and now the toilet articles are just what I needed, it's darn hard to get them here in this God forsaken primitive country. Thanks a thousand times for your kindness I appreciate it from the very depths of my heart.

Gosh I'm looking forward with so much enthusiasm to our re-union when I return home I've so much to say to you May and Bill. I can hardly wait. A rarity happened to me couple of hours ago. Here in our improvised chapel, two Filipino sisters were here, one used to be a nightclub singer in one of the Cabarets in Manila before the war. Since then she and her family were chased over the Mountains here they are finally, in rags, and so very shabby. She showed me photographs taken during her success in Manila. She looked beautiful. All gowned up in sequins and fine jewelry. But all that was beautiful vanished when the Japs came. She still is a beautiful creature. I felt if there was a way I could get some unneeded clothes from the States I'd like them sent to her. So I gave her my Army address and told her to write me if and when she had a definite address so I'd write to people in the states to send it to her.

I'm doing this only for having the inclination to help someone who has fallen into the wayside. I'm sure you can understand how I feel about those that are down trodden. Surely these people haven't known the poverty for ages. A pal of mine here knows of this intention and he believes I'm becoming too God fearing. Perhaps he's right. Life here in the Pacific at times seems so short, why not know a little fullness?

Well May & Bill, thanks again for your keen Xmas gift it was alright. Best of love to Joan. My very best to you both. I shall write shortly again.

Best of luck

Your Devoted Brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #31: 25 Jan 1945, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550.0"] Allied troops in Luzon. (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

As the Battle of Luzon raged on, the 8th Army, led by General Eichelberger and consisting of ten U.S. divisions and five independent regiments, landed at Subica Bay and Batangas between 29 and 31 January, 1945. It would be the largest campaign of the Pacific with more forces than the campaigns in Africa, Italy and Southern France.


Dear Bill and May,

Another letter for today and I hope you've grown accustomed to being a civilian once again Bill!

Gosh! I really envy you, it's been so long since I've seen a restaurant or good Bar. Now you have all those things at reach. Oh! Well--I suppose someone has to do the infantry fighting in this Pacific. I truly hope it'll be over this year. I'm fed up with this primitive existence. I never know when my number is up and so far, I've had several narrow escapes from those maniacal Japs. So far so good. Thank dad for wanting to send me a trench knife. I could use it but it may take a long time to get to me. I haven't received any packages yet.

As to how I met Pearl, well all I can say is we both met and knew it had to be. I've never been sorry.

Love to Joanie and the folks

Your brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #30: 15 Jan 1945, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620.0"] Battle of Bessang Pass. (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

Bessang Pass was a stronghold of Japanese Imperial Forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita. Five infantry regiments and a field artillery battalion of approximately 20,000 Filipino men led by five American officers and commanded by Colonel Russell Volckman. This unit, known as the US Army Forces of the Philippines - Northern Luzon/USAFP-NL), fought bravely in Cervantes for six days, suffering over 3,300 casualties and 900 deaths. Their fight led to the entrapment of Yamashita's forces which ultimately resulted in his surrender in the fall of that year. 

Dear Bill, May, and Joanie,

Received your ever so welcome letter today and so while I have a few moments free, I must answer you.

I felt it too bad that Mother had to return the bathrobe. I know she liked it, but I guess it must have been too small. Oh! Well, perhaps she can get something else for the money. I do know you went to a lot of trouble getting the appropriate gift. Thanks a million, you're a grand sister and brother. I guess you do know about myself and this Philippines affair.

Yes it was very rough, but I'm happy to say that after my second campaign, I'm well without a scratch. I shall write again shortly. Love to Joanie.

Your Devoted Brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #29: 8 Jan 1945, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600.0"] American soldiers on patrol in Leyte, January 1945. (Photo: 182nd Infantry) [/caption]

On 6 January 1945, Allied forces participated in the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, an amphibious operation led by Admiral Jesse Oldendorf. US and Royal Australian Navy ships bombarded Japanese positions along the coast of Lingayen for three days straight. On 9 January, the US Army, under the command of General Walter Krueger landed on the coast of Lingayen Gulf and within days, had captured the coastal towns and penetraded five miles inland along a 20-mile stretch of beachhead. The Allied forces suffered heavy losses due do kamikaze attacks, losing 24 ships with another 67 heavily damaged.

Dear Bill, May, and Joanie,

Today I received your v-mail telling me of Bill's good luck in civilian life once again and I'm very happy for you both. This-I'm sure will make everything simply great. As for myself, I guess you've seen the newsreels and heard the radio broadcasts telling of our victory here in the Philippines. After my second campaign, I'm very fortunate indeed to so well and without a scratch. I'm a lucky guy I guess.

I've just been transferred to Hdq Co. The Colonel of my Battalion thought it a good idea so do I. You see, I'm constantly with him during campaigns, he likes my work and he's tops. Can't be beat. So here I am practically in truth a break for me, so on one of these messages. I'm putting down my new complete Co. address.

Forgive the usage of this message blank. It's the only thing available. I shall write you again shortly. Good luck. Love to Joanie.

Your devoted brother

Arthur

P.F.C. Arthur Hersh
32231160
1st Bn, Hdq Co. 305th Inf
APO 77 c/o PM
San Francisco, Cal

Letters From Arthur #28: 26 Dec 1944, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640.0"] Palompon after the allied bombings, December 1944. [/caption]

On 25 December, the last connecting road between the enemy and their chief remaining port of entry for reinforcements was severed when the 77th Infantry Division seized Palompon. By the end of the day, General MacArthur had controlled all major supply and communication routes of the enemy and declared Leyte secure.  On 26 December 1944, he transferred control of both Leyte and Samar to the 8th Army. In the north, US forces defeated disorganized Japanese troops. The 1st Calvary troops reached the Coast days later and the 24th Division cleared the last enemies from northwestern Leyte. Though MacArthur insisted the remaining job was to clean up a few stragglers, Eichelberger's 8th Army killed more than 27,000 Japanese on Leyte between December and May 1945. 

Dec 26, 1944

Dearest Sis May:

Please forgive me if you have not heard from me for so long. We have been busy fighting here on Leyte Island in the Philippines. We have more to contend with in this campaign than in Guam. Here we experience Jap bombing, but our great planes always chase them or destroy them at the scene of combat.

I'm fine so far and I know that I shall come out alright. I shall try to write you dear as often as I can, in the past few weeks it's been difficult. No May, I haven't received a package and the first chance I get I shall send you the balance to the expense of Mother's Xmas gift. Have written to Bill couple weeks ago when I landed in Leyte. I know you have received mail from me by now. Take care of yourself, Love to Joan.

Your Devoted Brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #27: 10 Dec 1944, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

On 7 December, the XXIV Corps received welcome reinforcements with the amphibious landing of the 77th Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Bruce, just south of Ormoc City. The 77th's 305th, 306th, and 307th Infantry Regiments came ashore unopposed though naval ships were subjected to kamikaze attacks, resulting in the loss of the US Destroys Mahan and Ward.  The Japanese were quickly squeezed between the two forces and the strongest opposition to the 77th was a small force of about 1,740 soldiers, sailors, and paratroops at Camp Downes, a prewar Philippine constabulary post. Supported by the 305th and 902d Field Artillery Battalions, General Bruce's troops pushed through and beyond Camp Downes to enter Ormoc City on 10 December, just three days after landing.  

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550.0"] (Drawing: PFC Arthur A. Hersh, December 1944) [/caption]

Letters From Arthur #26: 4 Dec 1944, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500.0"] Heavy machine guns cover soldiers of the 77th Infantry Division crossing the Antilao River at Ormoc, December 1944. (Photo: WWII Archives). [/caption]

Dear Brother Bill,

After such a long silence from me, finally we landed in the Philippines and no sooner we dug foxholes, I was handed thirty two letters, one from you, and four from May. I was really glad to hear from you once again.

Now here we are in the real theatre of war of the Pacific. We get nightly enemy air raids. Jap planes very unsuccessfully try to come down to strafe and bomb, but thanks to our wonderful planes, they stay up at high elevation and we really give them heavy barrage of fire, they never get away, we've shot down every plane that appeared in the skies, bouquets to the "Radar". It does a good job in plane detecting. I hear from May quite often and I try to write to her as often as I can. I'm glad she received a money order of $15.00 for mom's Xmas gift, I didn't know how much it would cost, so I'm soon enclosing another money order to make up the difference.

I sure was hoping to hear that you received your discharge - so I am disappointed I hope to hell you don't come out to the Pacific. It's a helluva place, full of disease and morale goes down lots, recreation is limited, and after awhile the black peoples of the Pacific appear actually white. But we don't bother with them, most of them have Jungle Rot and other diseases even the women look sloppy and worn. Well so long as we don't have to stay here for good, I'm glad. I'd hate to have to stay here after this war and so far from home.

Let's hear from you when you get the chance. I was surprised to hear about Mom buying a new home in Flatbush, I know she'll be lots happier there. Good luck and my best to May.

Your Devoted Brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #25: 3 Dec 1944, Leyte

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550.0"] M10 Wolverine & M4 Sherman of 77th Infantry Division. Leyte, 1944 (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

"Leyte was to be the anvil against which I hoped to hammer the Japanese into submission in the central Philippines - the springboard from which I could proceed to the conquest of Luzon, for the final assault against Japan itself." --General Douglas MacArthur.

 

Dec 3rd, 1944

Dearest May:

After not being able to write because your movement here in the Philippines. I hope to be able to write more often at least in the next few days. I shall try to write every day to make up for the long silence.

We have evening air activity here, but luckily no strafing, once in a while a bombing. But we most generally get all the Jap planes that are in the skies.  I'm glad you're getting mother such a swell Xmas gift. I shall send you more cash to make up the difference in purchase. I know that she will like it. Incidentally, I'm glad mom bought that home in Flatbush, she'll be lots happier in the change for the better. Got a letter today from Bill, certainly glad to hear from him. Hoping you're fine. Give Joan my love.

Best to all. Your brother

Arthur

Thanks for your nice birthday card!