Book Reviews
Flying with Biscuit Bomber Bob
Author: Robert R. Mosier
Book Description: The title of the book is: Flying with Biscuit Bomber Bob. The Untold Story of WWII Air Transport in the Pacific. It includes five maps showing how the 57th finally got to Tokyo, and has 76 black and white illustrations of various locations and airfields. " Flying with Biscuit Bomber Bob" is the story of the 57th Troop Carrier Squadron in the Southwest Pacific during WWII as seen through the experiences of one of its pilots. Bob graduated from High School and at age 18 in 1943 and immediately volunteered for the Army. He was accepted as a cadet for pilot training in the USAAF Western Training Command and gained his wings as a 2nd Lt. in June 1944. Three months later he was in New Guinea flying troop support missions with the 57th. Bob epitomizes the thousands of young Americans who left their homes and undertook hazardous flying conditions in unarmed planes. This is just as much their story as it is his.
The troop carrier squadrons played a vital but largely unsung role in the Pacific War. Their motto was "Vincit Qui Primum Gerit," which meant "He conquers who gets there first." Flying first C-47s, the military version of the DC-3, and then later the larger C-46s, the Troop Carrier Squadrons ferried troops, ammunition, nurses, food, and supplies from one island battlefield to the next, airlifting the wounded or ill to hospitals in the rear. In this capacity they earned their nickname of the "Biscuit Bombers." They flew in all kinds of weather with minimal navigation aids, often long stretches over open water where no rescue was possible, seeking out and landing on dirt airstrips carved out of the jungle, often while the shooting was still going on. They dropped paratroops on to enemy held airfields, and as soon as the perimeter was secured, landed more troops and supplies. While this is Bob's story, it is also the story of dozens of other troop carrier squadrons and the flight and ground crew members that kept the C-47s and C-46s in working order.
When the war ended, Bob returned home where he met and married his wife Beverly. Then, like thousands of other returning veterans, he restarted the life he'd put on hold four years earlier. He enrolled at UCLA, got a degree in electrical engineering, raised a wonderful family and went on to a distinguished career in electronics, digital communications, and took part in many new and innovative developments that were building blocks for the internet and eventual creation of the World Wide Web.
Flying with Biscuit Bomber Bob is available on Amazon.com as both a paperback and an e-book or can be ordered.
A signed copy is available by sending $15.95 to: Robert R. Mosier, 711 Cliff Drive , Laguna Beach, CA. 92651. Shipped free.
My New Guinea Diary
Author: Staff Sergeant Pilot Ernest C. Ford
None of the 6th Troop Carrier Squadron (6th TCS) pilots knew where they were when they landed in New Guinea on 13 October 1942, with their thirteen, unarmed C-47 aircraft. After parking their planes, the pilots were told, "If you survive after getting shot down, look out for sharks, be aware of alligators when crossing rivers, and yes, there are still many cannibals in New Guinea--if they catch you, they'll eat you. Don't forget the headhunters. If the Japs don't find you, the mosquitos certainly will. You'll have no radio or map--you'll be on your own. Good luck. Now get your trenches dug quickly, we'll be under a full-scale bombing attack in less than two hours."
The dedication of the 6th TCS, the most highly decorated air transport squadron in World War II, was crucial to the success of Allied efforts to stem the tide of Japanese aggression. Just five miles from enemy lines, with snipers in the traffic pattern, their daily mission was to fly over some of the most challenging terrain on earth while evading Japanese Zeros. The 6th TCS had no maps, charts, radios, roads, fire power, and, at times, little or no fighter support.
This "Diary" is a first-hand testimony from the man who was awarded six Distinguished Flying Crosses and flew 385 combat missions in two wars--the most in any U.S. military career prior to the Vietnam Conflict. Major Ernest C. Ford writes this blow-by-blow account with compelling detail of what it was like to be under constant attack with no way to fight back. His story is laced with reflective commentary on how his faith kept him going while pondering his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:30, "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles"
My New Guinea Diary is available from Amazon.com
Tokyo Trolley
Author: Dr Tom Campbell
This book of the late Dr. Tom Campbell takes you along with him during his tour of service during WWII in the Pacific.
The book “Tokyo Trolley” is a story of Lt and later Capt Tom Campbell and his wonderful family. Tom Campbell was given a deferment for WWII because of the job he had. Tom Campbell gave up the deferment and joins the Army to serve his country. Selected for flight training he takes the reader with him through what it was like being a flight cadet during WWII. He was given a surprise when sent to the south west pacific instead of getting an instructor slot stateside. In this book he takes you from New Guinea to Tokyo via the Philippines and Okinawa. This book is easy reading and very entertaining.
Capt Tom Campbell flew in the 375t Troop Carrier Group and was assigned to the 55th Troop Carrier Squadron during his tour of duty in the pacific.
To order call or email karen@bradfordbb.com. ($16 incls. S/H to USA.) . PH: (731) 742-3143.