|
 I
arrived back from the 133d General Hospital, Leyte Island, back on
Negros and caught
the battalion at Pulapandan the night before they embarked on LSM #50
for Dumaguette. My homecoming was saddened by the news that another
brother had been killed a few days before. He was Mike Natalie, 2d
squad, 1st platoon, F company. He’d joined the unit in Brisbane and had served long and
well as one of our better soldiers. He was always one of my dependables.
He was killed in a jeep accident near Pulapandan.
We left Pulapandan early
in the morning and arrived at the docks at Dumaguete the following
afternoon, as I remember. I believe we were trucked straight to our new
regimental area. As soon as we detrucked I was ordered to report to a
CO, I believe LTC Lawrie. It could have been the battalion commander,
but to the best of my memory it was Lawrie. I was told that I was to
proceed immediately by jeep back to Fabrica and take command of E
Company. 1st Lt John Lindgren was the Provost Marshall in charge of
handling the prisoners, with “E” Company furnishing the guards. I was
already disappointed over missing the shipment home with Joe Whitson,
Tom McNerney, and others, so I protested that I had 124 points which was
more than enough to send me home. The CO said he had to have me at
Fabrica for a short time, and he would find a relief for me shortly. He
outlined several things he wanted done immediately. I drew a jeep and
driver, loaded up my gear and set out for Fabrica.
We
arrive at the east end of the bridge over the Himogaan River sometimes
after 0100  that
night. I well remember crossing the footpath across the blown span in
heavy pedestrian traffic. The ferry only operated during daylight hours,
so the jeep could not be brought over until morning. I went on up to the
American quarters on the hill and assumed my command. I believe there is
a mistake in the company history and I arrived about a week earlier than
stated in that history. I know for sure Joe Whitson had gone on before
the date stated in the history, because I wanted to see him, but missed
him. I think the biggest problem in Fabrica could have been settled by
bringing two lieutenants, who were senior to Crawford, down to
Dumaguette. Although they were senior in grade to Crawford, they had not
served the regiment very well. One had been overseas as long as I, but
had always missed the combat. Anyway things got settled, and I finally
was relieved to go home. |
