Aircraft Repair Ships |
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This is off Iwo Jima in March, 1945, and the ship shows some wear. You can clearly see the Sikorsky R-4B on deck. There are two, when you study the photo. Photo Courtesy of Lt. George W. Muller Second Aircraft Repair Unit Text Courtesy of William Muller |
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This is in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, October 1944 Photo Courtesy of Lt. George W. Muller Second Aircraft Repair Unit Text Courtesy of William Muller |
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Guys on deck of the ship. Photo Courtesy of Lt. George W. Muller Second Aircraft Repair Unit Text Courtesy of William Muller |
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Aircraft Repair Ships by Bruce Felknor Along with the materials you have seen above, which William sent to me in an email message, he shared a brief history of the ship and of his father's experiences. I think you will enjoy reading his message. Dear Dr. Cooper: I am attaching some photos of the ship, taken by my father, Lt. George W. Muller, from one of the ship's two helicopters. I have an original booklet from the captain, William McGraw. I will copy and send it to you, if you'd like. It is quite informative, and lists the entire crew! It is titled, "The Second was Alway First." The unit was called the Second Aircraft Repair Unit (ARU). Because the Dargue was the first of these ships out, it was considered the "first." The Second Aircraft Repair Unit (Floating) reached Saipan on 11/25/44 attached to the 73rd Bomb Wing (Heavy) servicing B-29's. The Ship arrived 03/13/45 in Iwo Jima to repair crippled B-29's, P-51's and P-47s. This gentleman, Bruce Felknor, has a good site which gives a good overview about Project Ivory Soap: http://www.usmm.org/felknorivory.html I've been in touch with Felknor, but he is mostly interested in the Merchant Marine angle. I feel my father would have liked for his ship and the Army Air Corps to come first, since the Merchant Marine people were somewhat stand-offish to the Army Air Corps people on board. At times it got quite unpleasant, according to letters my father wrote. On Felknor's site he discusses Lt. Daniel Nigro, who was one of the two helicopter pilots. Mr. Nigro is a family friend, and is in touch with my mother at least once a year. Since my father was a photography officer, he and Mr. Nigro spent many hours in the helicopter together. My father used a Fairchild K-20 camera for his aerial work. I can't find out anything about that camera, so I suspect it was classified. I have a photo of him with it, which I need to send to you. I have a ship's log, kept by the Dentist on board. I'd appreciate it if you would credit my father, Lt. George W. Muller, Second Aircraft Repair Unit, with these photos. I would like to organize my information and send you more, but I don't want to wear out my welcome. Please let me know if that becomes the case. My father treasured these photos until his death. He could not show them to us, since the operation remained classified. In fact, when i asked him the neame of his ship, he told me it was the Rebecca Lukens. That was the name before it was renamed and outfitted for Project Ivory Soap. It was an experience that my father loved. He lit up whenever he mentioned his time aboard ship. He told me of fighting the Japanese Bettys, and he related some of his experiences. My father grew up in New York City, and never learned to drive. He learned in a Jeep, on the Island of Iwo Jima. Best Regards, Bill Muller...5/29/02 |
