Newsletter of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
WINTER 2021
Guadalcanal, “Mad Jack” & The “Blue Goose” A Defining Moment For Marine Corps Aviation By George A. Haloulakos, MBA, CFA
T
he expeditionary capability of Marine Corps aviation has been a difference maker in America's arsenal of freedom with its unique fusion of adaptability, agility and durability. These characteristics were fully evident during World War II in operations at Guadalcanal between August 1942 and February 1943.1 The hard fought victory achieved at Guadalcanal affirmed the combined arms doctrine of the Marine Corps, in which amphibious assaults enabled seizure of airfields that Marine aircraft could operate in support of their comrades in arms.2 This article focuses on a particular event at Guadalcanal where a Marine aviator (Major Jack Randolph Cram) flew a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina at a crucial moment during the battle. Major Cram’s actions would ultimately earn him the Navy Cross.3 In order to appreciate the exemplary valor shown by Major Cram, we will first look at the backstory of the PBY-5A Catalina seaplane, followed by a biographical profile and then recap the heroic event at Guadalcanal. Continued on page 3
Amicus Curiae Chairman’s Message
I
t is with sadness and regret that I inform you that the Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, and HQ Marine Corps has ordered our beloved charge, the Marine Corps own Flying Leatherneck Aviation Command Museum, lovingly nurtured and cared for the last 21 years by our Foundation, to permanently close. This stunning and inexplicable decision, in the face of the Foundation’s offer to finance and operate the Museum, has become final with no recourse. As a consequence, it is the Marine Corps plan to break up the aircraft collection and give it away, sell it, or destroy it. There is no current plan to dispose of the artifacts. We are required to vacate the museum premises by no later than May 1st, 2021, with the official closing of the doors of the Museum to the public scheduled for April 1st. As your Chairman, I share what I know will be your deep disappointment and frustration at the loss of this National treasure. Please know that our Foundation Board of Directors, staff, and volunteer team did everything we could to collaborate with senior Marine Corps leaders to develop viable and sustainable alternatives to closure. Unfortunately, all of our efforts were rejected. Nevertheless, as Carl Sagan, the famous and iconic astronomer, planetary scientist cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and poet once said “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” So now the good news: The Board of Directors has voted to continue the work of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation! We have secured a new location, aided by the generosity of one of our members, Steve Quinn, and will relocate to a store-front only several blocks from MCAS. We are actively working to “reengineer” the Foundation’s mission and priorities to effectively continue to honor our heritage and the legacy of Marine Corps aviation. I have tremendous optimism and excitement as to what we can do going forward. In fact, given that we are no longer encumbered by the constraints placed on us by the Marine Corps and the DOD, I firmly believe we will have an even greater positive impact on the Marine Corps aviation mission with our mission and excellent people-to-people programs. I further believe you will agree. At this point, what will become of the Museum’s collection of priceless artifacts is unknown, because the Marine Corps has no immediate plan. We have been assured by the Marine Corps, however, that a “proper” home will be found for the Museum’s collections. We have exciting plans for our new location, from which we will continue to function as a Foundation. We plan to have a Marine Corps Aviator “Wall of Honor,” or “Hall of Fame,” and to continue with all of our important programs. We will include the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife of the Year award, our student essay and art contests, our “The Inside Loop” YouTube videos and our weekly podcasts. Additionally, we plan to expand our student outreach efforts in the Southern California region, develop additional programs for education, citizenship development and veteran advocacy. We will also continue publication of the Log Book (digitally only). As time and resources permit, we intend to construct a traveling exhibit showcasing Marine Corps aviation. I am particularly excited to share with you the possibility of a virtual museum. Board members Pat Laubach and Patrick Ball, in collaboration with Museum curator Steve “Smitty” Smith and a group of dedicated volunteers, are in the process of developing a virtual museum using drone videos. Upon completion, people will still be able to take a virtual tour of the museum both online and on a video screen in our new location. Continued on page 4
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A Defining Moment for Marine Corps Aviation...Continued from page 1 THE BACKSTORY OF THE CONSOLIDATED PBY-5A CATALINA The PBY-5A Catalina is/was a flying boat and amphibious aircraft manufactured by San Diego, CA based Consolidated Aircraft from between 1936-1945. Due to its adaptability, the Catalina was one of the most widely used seaplanes in World War II in such roles as search and rescue (notably air-sea rescue), patrol bombing, antisubmarine warfare, convoy escort and cargo transport. The designation “PBY” was in accordance with the US Navy Aircraft designation system of 1922; “PB” stands for “Patrol Bomber” and “Y” is the code for its manufacturer, Consolidated Aircraft.4 Consolidated Aircraft, largely known for its legendary B-24 Liberator, is a name inextricably associated with “America's Arsenal of Democracy.”5 The production of the Consolidated PBY Catalina was similar to the Liberator in that other aircraft
manufacturers were licensed to build the seaplane in order to meet the demands of wartime production. Other licensed manufacturers were the Naval Aircraft Factory (Philadelphia, PA), Boeing Canada and Canadian Vickers. There were 3,282 PBY Catalina seaplanes built with the production breakdown shown in the ensuing table. If we include the 27 Soviet built units, the production total increases to 3,309.6 Wartime production records are not entirely precise (due to redundancy and transfer of capital assets among various service branches), so the total output is sometimes published as 3,308. As a wartime capital asset, the Catalina was economical, despite a significantly lower output versus the B-24
MANUFACTURER
NUMBER OF UNITS
Consolidated Aircraft (San Diego)
2160
Consolidated Aircraft (New Orleans)
235
Naval Aircraft Factory
156
Boeing Canada
362
Canadian Vickers
369
TOTAL
3282
Sources: (1) Airvectors.net – The Consolidated PBY Catalina; (2) Consolidated PBY Catalina: The Peacetime Record. By David Legg. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD. 2002
Continued on page 5
FLYING LEATHERNECK HISTORICAL FOUNDATION P.O. Box 45316, MCAS Miramar San Diego, CA 92145-0316 www.flyingleathernecks.org
FOUNDATION FAX: (858) 693-0037 MUSEUM: (858) 307-6125 MUSEUM STORE: (858) 693-1791 Email: store@flyingleathernecks.org
FOUNDATION: (858) 693-1723
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Amicus Curiae... Continued from page 2 We have secured the volunteer support of talented drone filmmakers, script writers and voice-over artists to bring this virtual museum concept into reality. As you can see, despite the unfortunate circumstances, the potential for the Foundation to be successful and an important contributor to the community is truly unlimited. In the next edition of the Log Book, I will bring all up to date regarding our plans and accomplishments. Of course, I certainly welcome any and all suggestions, comments, and ideas as to how we can continue to improve the Foundation. Finally, I want to thank all of you, our valued members, and supporters, for your 20 plus years of generous and consistent support. Without each of your gifts of time, money, and talent, none of this would have been possible. Our 2020 Annual Appeal was a great success! In fact, I am deeply grateful to the many donors that have consistently given to the Foundation whenever asked. What is really exceptional is that a significant number of these donors have never personally visited the museum. In no uncertain terms, that reminds us all that the celebration of Marine Corps aviation, honoring our heroes, educating our young people, promoting good citizenship, and supporting our veterans is THE continuing mission worth supporting. Our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers have enormous gratitude and respect for your support and all that you do. It is our commitment to see that our legacy of valor and accomplishment as US Marines and aviators is celebrated in the years to come. As we move forward, your support will become even more critical. We need volunteers as well as donations! I hope I can count on all of you for your generous support in the months and years ahead. Please contact me directly if you have any questions or want to learn more about ways you can help the Foundation succeed and advance our mission. Semper Fidelis, Vic Bianchini
Propaganda Art A Tool For Information, Education and Persuasion By Rudy Gardea
A
ccording to Merriam Webster, propaganda is defined as the “spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person.” A very early example of propaganda art might be considered the coins of Persian Emperor Darius the Great. These coins depicted Darius as an archer to be distributed across the vast empire. This illustrated the technological military superiority he possessed to passively inform the Empire of his strength and influence. Greek Leader Alexander the Great used the same communicative device – the coin and was the first in history to depict a face — his face on the coin. The power conveyed at this time to produce and distribute coinage across the ancient civilizations was a powerful message indeed.
Over the last one hundred plus years, the term propaganda has evolved. To many, propaganda is now considered a frightening word. Propaganda is a word associated with manipulation and misinformation through the use of fear. However, it did not begin that way. The origin of propaganda is thought to have begun with the Catholic Church. In 1622, Pope Gregory XV established the Sacra Congregatio de Propaganda Fide, or the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith. Gregory’s actions were primarily to counter the effects of the reformation on the faithful. Early in the 20th century. The United States established a new approach to their mass communication: propaganda. At the request of President Woodrow Wilson, writer Walter Lippman and psychologist Edward Bernays (who was the Continued on page 7
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A Defining Moment...Continued from page 3 Liberator (18,500 Liberators were made by Consolidated and its licensees). The unit production cost for a PBY Catalina was $90,000 with an estimated operating profit margin of 0.05 to 0.06 [or 5% to 6%]. Consolidated Aircraft achieved higher profitability with the Liberator [8% operating profit margin] due to greater economy of scale, but these financial returns in the context of wartime deadlines are still quite respectable.7 Aviators and aircrew assigned to Catalinas referred to this adaptable and durable aircraft as the “Cat” when flying combat missions and “Dumbo” for air-sea rescue. The term “Cat” was a short form of Catalina while “Dumbo” was a code name used by the US Navy for search and rescue during the 1940s and 1950s in reference (or tribute) to the Walt Disney’s flying elephant cartoon character with the large ears, that enabled it to fly! PBY Catalina seaplanes were flown on nighttime missions in the Pacific against the adversary were painted black overall to evade detection and therefore were referred to as “Black Cats.”8
FLYING LEATHERNECK STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman - Col Victor E. Bianchini, USMC (Ret) V. Chairman - CAPT Ronald G. Ress, USN (Ret) Treasurer/CFO - Patrick Towle Secretary - Open Facilities - RADM Lou Smith, USN (Ret) Membership - Col John P. Farnam, USMC (Ret) Education - Open Marketing - Patricia Laubach Historian - F.C. Lorey, III Patrick B. Ball
The PBY Catalina was designed with a long operational range, intended to locate and attack enemy transport ships at sea, in order to disrupt Japanese supply lines. Seaplanes had the inherent advantage of not requiring runways thereby having the entire ocean available in which to operate. This expeditionary capability, plus its endurance and armament made the PBY Catalina the right aircraft at the right time when Major Jack Cram flew a Catalina in a decisive strike against Japanese forces at Guadalcanal. The endurance and armament of the Catalina PBY-5A can be summarized as follows:
LtCol Joseph P. Bassi, USAF (Ret) Col Bart Connolly IV, USMC (Ret) Robert Cramsie Dale B. Mann Bill O'Connor LtCol Richard Toettcher, USMC (Ret) SgtMaj Mike Zacker, USMC (Ret)
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS MajGen Bob Butcher, USMC (Ret)
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Endurance > Range: 2,520 miles > Maximum Endurance: Longest non-stop flight 31 hours, 45 minutes > Service Ceiling: 15,800 feet > Maximum Cruising Altitude: 18,200 feet Armament > For offensive operations, the PBY 5-A could carry either 2,000 pounds of bombs and two torpedoes OR four 325-pound depth charges. > Plus ammunition for 3x .30 cal machine guns (two in nose turret and one in ventral hatch at tail) along with 2x .50 cal machine guns (one in each waist blister). Source for Endurance and Armament: The Catalina Preservation Society. (www.pbycatalina.com/specifications) Continued on page 6
Chairman - MajGen Bob Butcher, USMC (Ret)
CORPORATE COUNSEL Jon Epsten
FOUNDATION / MUSEUM STAFF Executive Director - BGen Mike Aguilar, USMC (Ret) Museum Director - Christopher Van Stelle Museum Curator - Steve Smith Asst. Curator - Leon Simon Museum Archivist - Linda Apodaca Restoration Supervisor - Dave Koning Operations Manager - Chuck Meadows Retail Manager - Ginger Raaka Accounting Manager - Nancy Irving Volunteers - David Zekert Copyright 2021 - All Rights Reserved
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A Defining Moment for Marine Corps Aviation...Continued from page 5 MAJOR JACK RANDOLPH CRAM - US MARINE CORPS AVIATOR Jack Randolph Cram was born in
Force (ComAirCACTUS) at Henderson
Berkeley, California on February 25,
Field on the north shore of
1906. His family later moved to
Guadalcanal. From August 1942 to
Washington State where Cram would
February 1943, American forces were
grow up. He excelled in both football
engaged in intense combat with the
and track at the University of
Japanese who were desperately trying
Washington, where he graduated in
to retake Guadalcanal. Since the
1929. Cram enlisted in the US Marine
Solomon Islands were scattered with
Corps Reserve in 1930. He was
very rugged terrain, it was decided that
qualified for flight training, and sent
a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (with
initially to Naval Air Station (NAS)
its amphibious capability) would be the
Sand Point in Seattle. He was subsequently assigned to NAS
best choice for Cram to fly General
Pensacola, Florida for further training.
Geiger to Guadalcanal. This provided Major Jack R. Cram
During the 1930’s, Cram earned his living in dual roles of flying for the Washington State Highway Department and as a Marine Reserve pilot. It was during this period that his skill, dedication and leadership helped promote the value of aviation. In 1935 he was hired as manager for the Olympia, WA
flexibility in case runways were bombed out. Cram was instructed by
General Geiger to pick up a PBY-5A Catalina at the San Diego Consolidated factory. The specific Catalina seaplane selected was PBY-5A 0830, later renamed Blue Goose. This now set the stage for what would be a decisive, heroic air combat event at Guadalcanal.10
Airport. Cram's service in both the Marine Reserve and for Washington State provided him the opportunity to write Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) curricula for
EXPERT AIRMANSHIP PLUS INDOMITABLE FIGHTING SPIRIT EQUALS SUCCESS AT GUADALCANAL
the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) that contributed to the United States having an adequate
During October 13-14, 1942 Japanese battleships and
pool of pilots when World War II began.9
destroyers not only destroyed much of Henderson Field but more than half of the Marines' aircraft remaining on
In 1941, Jack Cram was called to active duty by the
the island. By October 15, Japanese transport ships
Marine Corps and later assigned to Marine Scout
were preparing to disembark troops just twelve miles
Bomber Squadron 131 (VMSB 131-Diamondbacks), a
up the beach in an effort to retake Guadalcanal. At 0700
squadron preparing to deploy to Guadalcanal in the
on the same day, there were 30 Japanese Zeroes circling
Solomon Islands. Final preparations took place at NAS
at 15,000 feet over the invasion area. In the face of an
Coronado, California. At this point Cram became the
aggressive adversary, Cram volunteered the Blue Goose
designated pilot and junior aide to Marine Major
for a daylight counterattack that included twelve
General Roy S. Geiger. Geiger had been appointed
Douglas SBD Dauntless dive-bombers and eight
commander of what was known as the CACTUS Air
Grumman F4F Wildcats. Cram had two 2,000 pound Continued on page 9
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Propaganda Art...Continued from page 4 nephew of Sigmund Freud,) formulated a “mass media” campaign to vilify Germany, and garner support for the war effort by the American populace. At the time, that was no easy task. The campaigns established by Lippman and Bernays pushed fear to fight against the “Hun” and their apparent ruthlessness. The “pathos” argument approach to mass messaging would be the direction Lippman and Bernays chose. To illustrate, in the humanist movement of the ancient Greeks, Aristotle established 3 forms of argument: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos. Ethos is the ethical argument, Logos is the logical argument, and Pathos is the emotional plea. In this context, Bernays and Lippman went on to create a formula for persuasion so effective that it was studied and adopted by the Nazi propagandist Dr. Joseph Goebbels shortly after the end of the Great War. We all know how that turned out. An interesting side note in terms of military aviation, the German Stuka Bomber of World War II was considered an instrument of propaganda as it was outfitted with the tiny spinner sirens on the wheel hubs known as the “Trumpets of Jericho” to scream as it descended on an attack run. The psychological effect of this sound was reported to cause such terror in the opposing army that many would drop their arms and run. Furthermore, fans of the “Star Wars” film franchise probably recognize that the Stuka siren sound was adopted to depict the sound of the “Tie Fighters,” screaming through space. This fear mongering methodology of propaganda is still in use today. The emotional plea put forth by Lippman and Bernays in 1917 was directed at the lowest common denominator of American citizens in an effort to effectively reach the vast majority of people in America. At that time, only about 6% of Americans had earned a high school diploma, let alone a college degree. The prominent artists of the day included names like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky, both of whom were not known for their realistic interpretations of subject matter. The Avant Gard art of the era was not deemed mass consumption friendly. In this era, many people were more effectively reached through narrative illustration depicted realistically. With this understanding, the formula for the messaging decided upon by Lippman and Bernays was obvious. The propaganda art must be realistic and paired with a short, catchy and memorable slogan pushing the emotional plea. It must facilitate
repeating to ensure understanding in mass. Essentially repeat, repeat and repeat until people understand what you intend through your message. This formula is still commonly used today in advertising. Can you name some slogans? This form of communication proved most effective at reaching the masses and attaining the desired outcome of the messaging. Propaganda art was widely used by all combatant parties during the first world war, especially the United States. With Propaganda art there are three distinct categories; White, Grey and Black. The American approach was to use White Propaganda. White propaganda is classified as a message that is true and the source is true. Grey is a message that is not identified by the creator (artist) and is not known whether the message is true or false. Black propaganda is when the message is false, and the identifying author is also false. A famous example of White Propaganda would be by illustrator James Montgomery Flagg. Flagg was the most famous American Illustrator and Propaganda artist of the Great War due to the success of his Cream of Wheat artwork from the late 1800’s. He is most famous for his depiction of the iconic “Uncle Sam Wants You” poster. The poster was so popular that it was reproduced in World War II and even during peacetime recruiting campaigns through the 1970’s. A little known fact is that Flagg used his own likeness to depict Uncle Sam in this poster. The poster asserts that America needed her young men to step up and fight for our way of life. The source was truthful as well as the message. Another well-known poster and perhaps the most famous Marine Corps recruitment poster of World War 1 is entitled “Tell that to the Marines.” Naval personnel generally looked down the Marines, as a volunteer branch of the armed forces trained for maritime warfare. In some quarters, US Marines Continued on page 10 WINTER 2021
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MUGSHOT
David Zekert Volunteer Coordinator & Technical Consultant
I
n 2020, David Zekert
its own cannon, rotor blades being used to pin down
was named the
enemy soldiers, all sounded stranger than fiction. And
Volunteer Coordinator
they helped paint a vivid picture of the Marine Corps
for the Flying Leatherneck
history the museum showcases and preserves for future
Aviation Museum. He has
generations. Those stories and many others are what
been a valued member of the
David enjoys sharing the most with visitors and docents.
Flying Leathernecks team for
David is a graduate of the University of Missouri, with a
over ten years.
BA in Economics and a minor in Mathematics. Currently
David came to the museum in
he works as a technical trainer at SAP and has delivered
2010 as an aviation enthusiast. He was recruited during
trainings for customers including General Dynamics,
his visit by Lt. Colonel Dick Miller to work as a docent.
Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin. Not long
With no military background, he faced a steep learning
after joining the Flying Leatherneck’s volunteer team,
curve but Lt. Colonel Miller, Walt Nichol, and other
the museum staff learned of David’s expertise and
veteran volunteers at the museum quickly brought him up
quickly found ways to put those skills to use in the
to speed.
Foundation’s offices, on the museum website and in the
David has an eye for detail and there were plenty of details to learn about Marine Corps Aviation beyond the basic aircraft specifications. For example, why were they called the Flying Leathernecks? And just how accurate was Robert Conrad’s portrayal of Pappy Boyington in the 1970s TV show Baa Baa Black Sheep? Indeed, there were dozens of aircraft to learn about at the museum. Although he had a basic knowledge of some of the aircraft on display, there were others he had never encountered before. Additionally, there were all the
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museum store. He considers himself lucky to be able to give back to the brave service members who have given so much for our country. And luck is something the museum has brought to David in multiple ways. As one example in 2015, David was asked to train a new docent, Corporal Gabriella Marta Leyva who was an active duty Marine at the time assigned to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 (MWCS-38, Red Lighting). In April 2016, at the museum’s F-8E Crusader, David surprised Gabby with an illustration he had made of that
great stories that went along with those aircraft. In fact,
aircraft as a birthday present. Additionally, a longtime
one of the best tips David received for learning the
volunteer, Hilde Koessler, brought out another surprise:
aircraft came from Lt. Colonel Richard “Touch”
a ring, which David offered to Gabby as he proposed to
Toettcher: “learn one story for each plane and start with
her. And as luck would have it Gabby accepted his
that.” Of course it helped that many of the stories David
proposal! On August 27, 2016, a wedding was hosted
learned came from first-hand accounts from veterans
on the museum grounds and David’s lucky streak
who had served as pilots and aircrew members on these
continued when Gabby showed up and the two were
aircraft. Stories about bullet holes on a CH-46 patched
wed in front of family & friends and many wonderful
with beer cans, an A-4 being hit with bullets fired from
museum volunteers.
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Continued on page 11
A Defining Moment for Marine Corps Aviation...Continued from page 6 torpedoes mounted on the wings of the Blue Goose with wires rigged from the cockpit to release them.
In many cases, such missions require expeditionary 11
Cram put the Blue Goose into a dive one mile from the enemy fleet that enabled the PBY-5A Catalina to
capability, the differentiating factor that makes Corps Aviation an invaluable asset in our nation's arsenal of freedom.
realize a speed of 275 miles per hour prior to leveling off at 75 feet. This is noteworthy because the PBY5A was built for a maximum speed of 160 miles per 1
both the enemy transports and destroyers, Cram
Field research notes for Chapter 5 (Game Theory) in HIGH FLIGHT. By George Haloulakos. UC San Diego Bookstore Publishing Company, 2014
released his two torpedoes at point blank-range –-
2
hour! In the midst of taking anti-aircraft fire from
with both weapons hitting and sinking a Japanese transport. After pulling off from the sinking enemy transport, five Japanese Zeroes attacked the Blue Goose. Cram's crew successfully defended their aircraft using the Catalina's .30 caliber machine guns. One Zero remained hot on the Blue Goose's tail as it arrived back at Henderson Field but a fellow Marine pilot flying his Wildcat was able to destroy the Zero just as Cram landed! Following this mission,
Marine Corp Aviation's Defining Moment – National Aviation Museum. https://tinyurl.com/cockpit-stories
3 Cram, Jack R. Gathering of Eagles Foundation. (www.goefoundation.org/eagles/cram-jack-r/) 4
US Navy Aircraft Designation System (1922). Source: US Department of Defense
5
“Building the Liberator.” By George Haloulakos. Spirit of Flight Newsletter (Experimental Aircraft Association) May 2020, pages 4-5 6
“The Soviet PBY Catalinas of WW II.” By Patrick Kinville. VVS AIR WAR – The Soviet Forces at War. VVS Warbirds. March 7, 2017
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attack at Guadalcanal on October 15, 1942 in the face
(a) The Arsenal of Democracy – FDR, Detroit and Epic Quest to Arm an America at War. Pages 94-95. A.J. Baime. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (New York) 2014. (b) No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Page 56. Doris Kearns Goodwin. Simon & Schuster (New York). 1994. (c) HONORING THE PAST AND ADVANCING THROUGH ACCOUNTING – A Historical Perspective on the Role of Accounting with Mass Assembly Line Production. By George A. Haloulakos, CFA. Accounting Day Presentation, San Diego, CA (2020-21)
of daunting odds, Cram not only earned the nickname
8
inspection of the Blue Goose revealed it had over 160 bullet holes in it! This decisive counterattack that included Cram and his PBY-5A Catalina, was credited with sinking three enemy transports and damaging several others. In successfully carrying out this daylight torpedo
“Mad Jack” but was awarded the Navy Cross for his
Black Cats and Dumbos – World War II'S Fighting PBY's. By Mel Crocker. Crocker Media Expressions. August 2002
extraordinary heroism.12
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CLOSING THOUGHTS
“Jack Randolph Cram - Airport Manager to USMC General.” Pages 1, 4 and 8, by Cal Taylor. (www.ox5.org/wp-content/uploads/ crambiofinal) 10
In this article where we have recounted the heroic actions of Navy Cross recipient Major Jack Cram and his Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina at Guadalcanal, we are reminded that the call to defend freedom in the face of enormous odds is an ongoing mission for which Marine Corps Aviation remains at the ready.
“Jack Randolph Cram - Airport Manager to USMC General.” Page 6, by Cal Taylor
11
Cram, Jack R. Gathering of Eagles Foundation. Eagle Profile. (www.goefoundation.org/eagles/cram-jack-r/)
12
(a) Cram, Jack R. Gathering of Eagles Foundation. Eagle Profile. and (b) Jack Cram – Recipient. Navy Cross. (www.valor. militarytimes.com)
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Propaganda Art...Continued from page 7 were considered so gullible that they would believe anything. This example of propaganda art is a poster painted at an event on the steps of the Washington DC library in front of a crowd (with singer Al Jolson performing a song by the same title) as Marines paraded in brand new pressed uniforms with bayonets fixed. Artist Montgomery Flagg recalled in his autobiography that the phrase “Tell that to the Marines.” became a Battle Cry of sorts. The image depicts a man pulling his dress coat off ready for a fight after throwing a newspaper down with the headline, which reads “The Huns Kill Woman and Children. This is another very famous example of white propaganda as the message and the source are both truthful. The image shown right is an example of Grey Propaganda. The image is both provocative and powerful. One can imagine the emotional reactions people had to this piece of propaganda art in the early years of World War II when the Nazi threat was at its height. This poster illustrates a scene with a random suggestion without source or message authentication. The next image is an excellent example of Black Propaganda. This image of propaganda art is a fake English language leaflet that were air dropped by the Nazis onto the allied forces around the Monte Cassino 10
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battlefield in World War II. The fake message indicated that American servicemen (who were well-paid and looking for romance were) “terrorizing” British women. American GI’s, of course, were stationed in England for much of the war, including training for the Normandy invasion. This message was designed to sow resentment and envy within the ranks, especially among young British troops. The use of propaganda art as a tool to prompt a certain action or response among people certainly hit its zenith during the Great War. For example, the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in May 1915 was a historic event that received worldwide condemnation. Over 1,500 souls were lost to a German U-boat -- many of whom were woman and children. Artist Fred Spear captured the loss of the Lusitania in a famous poster that became a tool for enlistment. It depicts a mother in her nightgown embracing her baby as she descends into the watery depths with bubbles escaping her mouth. The climax of this message was the bold red type depicting the word Enlist. Enlistment was one of the 1 categories put forth by American Office of War Information. Can you see how the Pathos argument is visually expressed with this image? The death of a woman and her child in such a way was unconscionable. The men of America were so outraged that the surge of men enlisting in the month following the Lusitania’s demise told the story of its successful message. In terms of information, education and persuasion, the US Marine Corps (especially the aviation wing) has been very successful in the use of propaganda art.
1
During the first half of the 20th Century, the United States (as well as other nations) generally used propaganda art in five primary poster campaigns; these campaigns included Recruitment, The Home Front, The Enemy, Careless Talk and Victory. These images were all depicted idealistically and dripping with emotion to persuade America to act.
Continued on page 11
MUGSHOT David Zekert ...Continued from page 8 Beyond his professional pursuits and volunteer work for the Foundation, David is an accomplished artist (as illustrated below and on the back cover), a youth sports coach (baseball, football, and soccer) and a videographer (use the QR code to see his latest video for the museum). He also enjoys playing rugby at Balboa Park and flag football on the athletic fields at MCAS Miramar whenever Marines need an extra player.
Wildcats Over Midway - 1942. By David Zekert
Propaganda Art...Continued from page 10
On this page and page 12, you will see some examples of how the Marines recruited for aviation using these poster formulas throughout the last century (both world wars, Korea and Vietnam). The “cool” factor was effectively used to garner recruitment to their branch of service. These examples of Recruitment posters were used according to the timeless formula of realistic imagery coupled with a short, catchy slogan. Continued on page 12
World War I
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The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY CROSS to
MAJOR JACK R. CRAM UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Jack R. Cram, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in the FIRST Marine Aircraft WING, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese surface vessels and air forces in the vicinity of Kokumbona Point, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 15 October 1942. Piloting a PBY5A plane in a daylight attack by combined air units, Major Cram, despite heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and constant assaults by enemy fighters, gallantly pushed home his attack to point-blank range, before releasing his torpedoes, hitting and sinking a Japanese transport. Although his plane was severely damaged and carried the scars of more than fifty hits in its battered fuselage, he returned to his base and landed safely. His expert airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit reflect great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Naval Service.
GENERAL ORDERS: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 297 (SofN Signed August 11, 1943)
Propaganda Art...Continued from page 11
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Vietnam War Era
Hildegarde “Hilde” Koessler A Remembrance of Hilde By Anne Wadlington
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n this unprecedented year of COVID, with all of its challenges for the Museum, we would be remiss to not mark the passing of one of the museum’s most devoted volunteers and my very dear friend, Hilde Koessler. Hilde and I met in 2004 as new volunteers on Saturday afternoons in the Museum Store. We spent the next 15 years there together, and it was my great pleasure to get to know Hilde. Hilde was born in Hollywood, CA in 1929, and was an alumna of UCLA. Her husband, Wolfgang Koessler, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II as a DC-3 pilot, flying supplies into Guadalcanal and removing the wounded. After their marriage, they settled in Del Mar where they built a house near the ocean, and where Hilde continued to reside after her husband’s death. Hilde was very proud of his service, and very grateful for the benefits she received because of his service. She wanted to find a way to give back. Major General and Mrs. Frank Lang were personal friends, and it was General Lang who suggested that she volunteer at the museum. She remained a valued member of the Flying Leatherneck volunteer team until fall of 2019. She was also an active member of the Assistance League of San Diego, the Del Mar Rose Society, and Calvary Lutheran Church in Solana Beach. Hilde had a beautiful smile and radiated warmth that drew others to her. She engaged museum visitors in conversation, particularly those from other countries she had visited. Hilde traveled the world extensively, and was admired by all for her adventurous and unafraid personality. Nearing her 90th birthday in October 2019, Hilde suffered a fall. A subsequent MRI revealed a large brain tumor. In February 2020, she fell again, and complications from that fall ended her life. Hilde was a faithful FLHF patron, and our museum has lost a remarkable representative. We have all lost a true friend, who lived fully and joyfully. We will miss you until we meet again, Hilde.
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THE FEW, THE PROUD...THE GENEROUS August 1, 2020 – November 30, 2020 GENERAL FUND DONATIONS LtCol Jay N. Bibler, MajGen & Mrs. B.G. Butcher, Capt Roger H. Carlin, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carr, Cecil L. Caviezel, Steven L. Dumovich, Maj Glenn Ferguson, George Haloulakos, Maj & Mrs. Richard A. Hedin, Robert Hepburn, Kari Johnson, LtCol Jay Kopelman, Patricia K. Laubach, Concettina Lattanzio, Col Elmer M. Lewis, Jr., Sheryl W. Loop, Scott Manning, Mr. & Mrs. John McLaughlin, Craig Murray, CAPT Ronald G. Ress, Col Robert B. Savage, Jr., BGen David V. Shuter, Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Stack/Nancy & Geoffrey Stack Family Foundation David Whisenhunt, LtCol Douglas M. Sasso, Charles Wasley, Alan J. Zygowicz
FOUNDATION MARKETING & PROMOTION SUPPORT Mr. & Mrs. Patrick B. Ball, Maj Glenn Ferguson, Patricia K. Laubach
IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN PETE MEADE OF THE 1/9 WALKING DEAD Capt Kevin M. Mac Donnell
IN MEMORY OF ED ROGAL Col Norm & Col Alice Marshall
IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN JEB SEAGLE Col Larry D. Outlaw
IN MEMORY OF BRIGADIER GENERAL JAY HUBBARD Paul Parilla
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL ALFRED “FRED” ALLEGA MajGen Ross S. Plasterer
IN MEMORY OF PAULA M. POTENZA Maj A.G. Potenza
IN MEMORY OF MARY FAYE POTENZA Maj A.G. Potenza
IN MEMORY OF HILDE KOESSLER Terry & Carol Reinhold
IN MEMORY OF LT. COLONEL JACK NORMAN, USMC (RETIRED) LtGen Norman H. Smith
IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN JOHN C. HURST BGen Denis L. Shortal
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