Book Reviews

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

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 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.