War Journal - July 1944

One of my goals with this blog, is to pass on to others in the family some of the stories and history that have helped get each of us to where we are now. I will begin posting Dad's war journal entries on the dates he recorded each. In order to catch up from the beginning of the journal to the present date, I will give multiple dates in single postings. Once I catch up, I will attempt to post same date entries from the last half of 1944 and through the end of the journal in 1945.

David A. Foil, Jr. - Journal Entries

CREW: 18 - Duane R. Borst, Pilot 0-705003;
18 - Eugene G. Cowart, Co-Pilot 0-715723;
18 - William M. Kiel, Bomb-Nav. 0-712165;
38 - David A. Foil, Engineer-Gunner 19129357;
38 - James B. Pappas, Radio-Gunner 15131812;
38 - Jack D. Edwards, Tail-Gunner 19183951

18-Jul-1944
Tuesday
Left L. C. LA on train at 2200 to go to Savannah, GA (Hunter Field) which is staging area for 3rd A.C.
20-Jul
Thursday
Arrived at Hunter Field at 1800
21-Jul
Friday
Was processed and issued all new equipment
22-Jul
Saturday
Received brand new B-26-G and test flew it
23-Jul
Sunday
Flew from Hunter Field, GA to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine. Passed over Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and all major cities along east coast. Saw Washington Monument & Statue of Liberty for first time. Form 1 time was 6 hours 30 minutes. Night of 23rd was processed at Dow Field which is POE for us. Next stop will be outside U.S.
24-Jul
Monday
Serviced and repaired ship and stood guard duty over it during day. Am standing guard duty first half night. Probably will leave here tomorrow if weather is favorable.
25-Jul
Tuesday
Unfavorable weather prevented us from leaving here today. Rested, slept & went to a show.
26-Jul
Wednesday
Unfavorable weather prevented leaving again today - Hope we leave tomorrow. Believe next stop will be Goose Bay, Labrador. This Maine climate is nice - reminds me of top of mountain between McNary & Springerville in summer.
27-Jul
Thursday
Very cloudy and slow drizzle of rain has grounded all operations again today. There is no way of knowing how long we may be here if this weather keeps up.
28-Jul
Friday
An abundance of rain & fog today - Pappas, Edwards & I made plexiglass pistol grips for our 45's.
29-Jul
Saturday
Bad weather continues - slept, played cards & went to the show.
30-Jul
Sunday
Bad weather worse! Worked on ship, wrote letters & went to show.
31-Jul
Monday
Left Dow Field for Goose Bay, Labrador - About one hour out both engines started cutting out alternately - We prepared to bail out but was able by God's care to land at Presque Isle, Maine for emergency. That ground sure looked good! Worked on engine all afternoon.