VC 38 of Bougainville and New Britain - A Tribute to VC 38

[djltucker]

The USS Longview (CVE-1) was lead ship of her class and the first escort carrier of the US Navy.

correction: The USS Long Island (CVE-1) was lead ship of her class and the first escort carrier of the US Navy.

[djltucker]

Commander Charles E Brunton also served in Korea and became a Rear Admiral. Picture is prior to his injury - likely at Munda Airfield.

 

During the mission where he was injured dive attacking Rabaul Harbor, his radioman had the following comments in his diary (Richard Wagner) -

 

"Today was another bad day. The skipper was hit by machine gun fire breaking his arm and a flesh wound in the leg. He made a direct hit on a DD and was hit about the same time. There was plenty of AA both heavy and light, also saw a few zeros. I saw at least twenty float type airplanes in the bay near the ships. The skipper did a wonderful job flying the plane back in his condition. Both Kemper [TBF gunner] and I were afraid he was going to pass out from loss of blood and spin in all the way back."

[djltucker]

 

Here's the photo

[KASTAUFFER]

Brunton was wounded in the arm and leg on a bombing run, below are pics of Brunton with wound, page from his flight log that was to be his last missing during WW2 noting his wounds and picture of his purple heart. last picture is of his card file showing his assignments.

 

Thanks for posting Brunton's group! I loved seeing it!

 

Kurt

[Navybean]

Commander Charles E Brunton also served in Korea and became a Rear Admiral. Picture is prior to his injury - likely at Munda Airfield.

 

During the mission where he was injured dive attacking Rabaul Harbor, his radioman had the following comments in his diary (Richard Wagner) -

 

"Today was another bad day. The skipper was hit by machine gun fire breaking his arm and a flesh wound in the leg. He made a direct hit on a DD and was hit about the same time. There was plenty of AA both heavy and light, also saw a few zeros. I saw at least twenty float type airplanes in the bay near the ships. The skipper did a wonderful job flying the plane back in his condition. Both Kemper [TBF gunner] and I were afraid he was going to pass out from loss of blood and spin in all the way back."

Good information again, Ill see about getting better pics you requested when I get a little time.

 

His wounded arm seems to have ended Bruntons combat time during WW2, his flight log dates send in 1944 after wound and note the wound and more flying does not pick up again until 1945 state side.

I believe he became a Captain just after WW2. Did not know he became a Admiral!

[Navybean]

 

Thanks for posting Brunton's group! I loved seeing it!

 

Kurt

Thanks Kurt, sorry it took so long to get pics loaded. I know you have a good number of similar groups and I have enjoyed your group listings over the years.

[NLeakOster]

On 4/17/2017 at 5:38 PM, Jiboyle62 said:

Kurt,

 

Thank you for this post. My father was a part of VC-38. He was Radioman V E Boyle. He's pilot was Mr Leake (as my father always referred to him).

Dad died in 1997 and I have been attempting to reconstruct his service history. Your posting filled in many gaps and also allowed me to fully follow his log book.

You're posting appears to have had photo's of the group that are no longer visible. I'd like to be able to see those and I also have photo's from their Munda base I would like to share as well. Please let me know if you're interested.

 

Once again, thank you for this document - it is greatly appreciated.

 

James Boyle

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

The attached photo was taken in Munda in the fall of 1943- from left to right

 

Gunner R.R. O'Daniel, Radioman V.E. Boyle, Pilot Lt (jg) H.T. Leake

 

 

 

Hello James,

 

My name's Natan. I am the great grandson of Mary Belle "Bobo" Leake. She was Herbert's sister and along with her husband and children lived with Herbert until he was drafted. My grandmother fondly remembers spending time with him as a young girl and clearly remembers hearing of his death. I'd love to hear any other stories that your father has relayed to you about Herbert or just their bomber or unit. It's pretty stunning to connect with his radio man's son. 

 

Best,

Natan

[djltucker]

Hi Natan,

 

glad you found this thread and responded.  For a history of the heroes of VC38, please find this book:  https://www.amazon.com/Luckys-Life-Letters-William-Squadron-ebook/dp/B01I2HIHNY

 

It has a whole chapter dedicated to VC38's history and many photographs of the unit, along with all the daily War Diaries of each mission of the TBFs during their 3 tours in the South Pacific.  

 

I have a copy of Lt. Leake's service records/files - I could scan the documents and send to you if you wish.

 

All the best,

 

Don

[NLeakOster]

9 hours ago, djltucker said:

Hi Natan,

 

glad you found this thread and responded.  For a history of the heroes of VC38, please find this book:  https://www.amazon.com/Luckys-Life-Letters-William-Squadron-ebook/dp/B01I2HIHNY

 

It has a whole chapter dedicated to VC38's history and many photographs of the unit, along with all the daily War Diaries of each mission of the TBFs during their 3 tours in the South Pacific.  

 

I have a copy of Lt. Leake's service records/files - I could scan the documents and send to you if you wish.

 

All the best,

 

Don

I would love the scans of his service files. My email is [email protected]  I'll certainly get the book and read more about their unit. Until recently I was unaware that he was a Pilot or even in a Dive Bombing unit.

 

Thanks,

Natan

[djltucker]

Here is information on the combined grave marker at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery for these two lost heroes.

Lt. Leake and radioman Dunton, Willard.