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There was little
briefing in comparison to the Corregidor mission. From some of the staff and
company commanders who had flown on aerial reconnaissance over northern
Negros, we learned that Negros was much more modern and developed than the
islands we had been on. It was in the very center of what was known as the
"breadbasket" of the Philippine islands. The world's largest hardwood
sawmill was located at Fabrica which was owned by the Insular Family of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, would be out intended target.
We begin
preparation. We are to jump from C-46's. These planes have a door on each
side and a capacity of thirty-six loaded paratroopers. Two sticks of
eighteen men jump simultaneously, one stick out the right door and another
stick out the left door.
We are not
enthused about the right door. This is backwards to our training. The
jump-masters drew for doors, and I drew the backwards door. We practice
using a crude mock-up and a practice jump is intended
We drew chutes and
got ready.
We did not know it
but the Curtis C-46's had been nick-named "flying coffins" in Europe.
They were used there for some parachute drops, and they tended to burst into
flames when hit by ack-ack fire.
Although
preparations are made for the Alicante jump, and Field Order Number 10 will
be issued dated 5 April, the jump will be cancelled that same day, when it
becomes apparent that the Japanese are not defending the coastal region.
Nor will the planes be available to us.
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