Willima (bill) Fry
adak scrapbook 1943-1944
Originally Published: 30 May 2008
Aleutian Islands, Adak & Kiska Memories by Bill Fry 1943/44
69th Coast Artillery-Automatic Weapons
At
Fort
Ord,
Ca.
we
were
issued
arctic
clothing
before
we
boarded
a
train
for
San
Francisco
and
directly
to
dockside
of
our
troop
ship.
There
was
no
way
for
anyone
to
let
our
loved
ones
know
our
whereabouts.
It
was
about
a
10
day
zigzag
trip
through
a
heavy
Williwaw
storm,
an
introduction
to
what
we
would
experience
later
on
the
Island
of
Kiska.
Our
first
stop
was
Adak
Island
where
we
would
receive
training
how
to
fight
on
tundra
covered
hillsides
with
very
few
boulders,
no
trees
or
natural
terrain
for
cover.
Adak
was
already
established
and
secured
as
an
all
service
military
base.
The
airport,
I
was
told,
was
previously
a
lake
and
after
sounding
the
bottom
found
it
to
be
fairly
level
so
it
was
drained
into
the
ocean.
It
was
shaped
into
a
sizable
air
field
with
landing
mats
[PCP]
for
runways
and
taxiways.
I
thought
that
was
a
good
piece
of
engineering
and
was
of
special
interest
to
me
as
that
is
what I became under the GI Bill after the war.
We
stayed
there
for
several
weeks
getting
accustomed
to
the
strange
environment.
We
set
up
our
guns
in
a
wide
open
area
with
a
good
sweeping
view
to
be
on
the
look
out
for
enemy
planes.
Never
saw
a
Japanese
plane,
but,
we
did
get
to
practice
tracking
our
own
SBD
dive
bombers
as
they
arrived
by
island
hopping
or
from
carriers.
One
day
one
came
in
very
low,
so
low
it
appeared
to
be
on
a
crash
course
and
sure
enough
it
crashed
about
200
feet
behind
our
bivouacked
area.
Something
actuated
the
planes
machine
guns.
The
tundra
was
quite
heavy
with
very
little
noise.
Some
of
our
people
were
in
their
tents
and
only
heard
gun
fire
and
thought
the
Japanese
had
arrived.
They
came
out
of
the
tents
with
rifles
ready
only
to
find
what
had
happened.
Several
rushed
to
see
if
they
could
help
the
pilot.
Sure
enough
they
were
able
to
rescue
him.
He
survived
but
pretty
well
bruised.
The
tundra
cushioned
the
impact.
There
were
a
few
guys
sitting
on
the
multiple
holed
latrines
who
came
running
out
without
completing
the
paper
work
or
buttoning
up.
It
was
a
funny
sight
for
those
of
us
watching
as
we
were
aware of the situation.
It
all
happened
very
quickly.
Needless
to
say
there
were
a
lot
of
mixed
emotions
for
awhile.
One
day
we
had
a
pretty
strong
wind
but
no
matter
the
weather
if
“you
gotta
go”,
you
go.
I
was
one
that
had
to
go
and
while
sitting
to
get
the
job
done
one
guy
had
just
finished
the
paper
work.
The
latrine
was
covered
with
a
four
sided
tent
with
side
flaps
pulled
up
over
the
ends
of
the
wooden
multiple
holes
for
ventilation.
The
fellow
that
had
just
finished
the
paperwork,
dropped
the
paper
in
the
hole
and
soon the wind blew it up thru an empty hole, circled around and stuck him on the face.
It
seemed
like
there
were
funny
situations
happening
now
and
then
where
we
had
a
good
laugh.
I
really
believe that servicemen were blessed with a sense of humor to help break built up anxieties.
Adak
was
a
very
busy
port
due
to
the
build
up
in
preparation
for
the
invasion
of
Kiska.
Weather
was
fairly
good
so
pilots
flying
shuttle
bombing
of
Kiska
via
Attu
but
during
inclement
weather
it
was
tricky finding their home field without instrument assistance.
We
had
training
that
was
mostly
how
to
deal
with
the
terrain
and
the
elements.
Tundra
was
difficult
to
move
around
in
quickly.
It
was
wonderful
as
a
mattress
for
sleeping.
It
was
good
as
camouflage
material.
The
only
protection
from
enemy
fire
was
digging
fox
holes
and
that
was
a
big
problem
as
the
soil
was
always
saturated
with
water
that
had
to
be
bailed
out
often.
The
helmets
were
a
readily
available vessel to scoop with.
We
hoped
we
wouldn’t
have
to
use
the
fox
hole
as
they
would
be
easy
to
spot
by
the
enemy.
Fortunately
we never had to do that, to be explained later.
The
day
came
to
depart
for
the
invasion.
My
gun
squad
and
others
set
our
guns
on
the
top
deck
of
the
ship
we
came
on.
We
were
to
watch
for
low
flying
aircraft
that
might
be
aiming
at
our
ship.
Other
gun
squads set up on shore to protect troops and supply dumps. We never saw any enemy airplanes,
Now
the
wait
began,
wondering
how
things
were
going
on
the
island
(Kiska).
Once
a
day
the
Chaplain
would
come
by
and
give
a
report.
I
think
it
was
the
second
day
he
reported
the
ground
troops
had
encountered
small
arms
fire;
about
the
third
day
we
got
a
report
that
there
were
some
casualties.
As
it
turned
out
those
casualties
were
the
result
of
some
one
firing
blindly
causing
others
to
get
“trigger happy”, setting off panic. We heard there were about 150 friendly troops killed.
It
was
soon
discovered
that
there
were
no
Japanese
on
the
island.
The
theory
was
that
they
had
been
evacuated
by
submarine
as
the
island
had
been
surrounded
for
a
long
time
by
the
Navy.
Our
Navy
had
not
sounded
the
waters.
The
Japanese
apparently
had
and
found
the
necessary
passages
to
escape
undetected.
This was the report we got.
Needless
to
say
the
commanders
had
mixed
feelings
about
it
but
the
troops
feelings
were
one
of
celebration.
It
was
now
a
time
to
wait
for
further
orders.
While
waiting
the
Chaplain
came
by
the
ship
and
told
us
that
our
Captain
and
two
lieutenants
were
missing.
So
our
1st
lieutenant
and
some
sergeants
went
looking
for
them.
They
were
found
safe
in
a
cave
with
food
and
ammunition.
This
discovery
spread
like
wild
fire
within
our
organization.
It
was
amazing
no
one
ever
reported
it
to
higher
authorities
even
when
we
returned
to
the
states
(48
at
that
time.)I’m
not
sure
what
it
was
that
we
all
seemed
to
join
in
a
secret
pact
to
not
let
it
be
known
to
higher
authorities.
Whether
it
was
esprit-de-corps
or
just
watching the captain sweat. It was a situation where it was the rank that was honored.
When
it
was
determined
the
island
was
secure
we
set
up
in
gun
positions
at
strategic
points
around
the
island
in
the
typical
army
4-sided
tents.
We
had
to
dig
our
tents
in
the
hillside
near
the
gun
positions.
One
day
we
were
digging
and
decided
to
take
a
break.
During
the
break
we
heard
explosions,
but
knew
to
expect
them
as
the
ordinance
people
were
locating
dud
bombs
from
the
bombings
and
shelling
of the island prior to the invasion so thought nothing of it.
Well,
when
we
went
back
to
our
digging
I
started
to
dig
and
my
pick
hit
something
metal.
I
discovered
a
piece
of
shrapnel
about
a
foot
long
and
2
inches
in
diameter.
It
had
a
fresh
break
look
to
it.
And
we
had
heard
a
whistling
sound
right
after
one
of
the
explosions.
I
didn’t
look
to
see
if
my
number
was on it. I just offered a prayer of thanks
The
weather
wasn’t
all
that
cold
but
we
had
to
be
aware
of
the
Williwaws.
And
we
did
get
one.
We
anchored
our
tents
in
four
directions
with
cables
and
built
parapets
around
the
tents
and
above
the
flat
sides
so
that
about
3
feet
of
the
peak
of
the
tent
was
above
the
parapet.
One
time
we
got
a
12
inch
snow,
but
was
followed
by
rain
that
left
a
quagmire
where
the
tundra
had
been
removed
for
roads,
etc. All vehicles had to be tracked. Wheeled vehicles were useless.
After
one
snowstorm
Kiska
and
surrounding
visible
volcanic
peaks
were
all
covered.
There
was
the
most
beautiful
sight.
There
was
no
moon,
but
the
white
peaks
were
rising
out
of
the
ink-black
ocean.
There
wasn’t
a
sound
and
the
stillness
left
a
feeling
of
peace
and
calm.
The
thoughts
of
a
world
at
war
could not invade the moment.
I
have
experienced
many
beautiful
scenes
of
God’s
creation
with
unbelievable
color
and
I
am
always
left
with
a
feeling
of
awe.
The
one
I
described
of
Kiska,
in
black
and
white,
has
given
me
a
mental
picture that I cannot adequately describe.
I
was
very
fortunate
to
escape
action
and
was
glad
to
experience
that
part
of
the
world.
An
image
that
will always be with me.
We
left
Kiska
Christmas
eve
1943
and
had
Christmas
dinner
aboard
ship
in
Dutch
Harbor.
On
to
Kodiak
Alaska
for
about
4
months
and
then
back
to
Seattle,
Camp
Hahn
Ca.;
then
to
Mississippi
to
be
trained
as
combat
engineers.
In
the
spring
of
1945
we
went
to
France
where
two
weeks
later
the
Germans
surrendered.
On
to
Marseille
France
to
wait
for
a
ship
to
take
us
to
the
Philippines
for
the
invasion
of
Japan.
Then they dropped the “A-bomb”. Back to the good old USA for discharge.
I
never
had
to
shoot
at
anyone
and
never
got
shot
at
for
which
I
will
ever
be
thankful.
There
was
a
time
I
felt
guilty
that
I
escaped
action
and
some
of
my
friends
didn’t
and
some
gave
their
lives.
I
finally realized that I was a draftee and my life was in the hands of “others”.
I
am
grateful
for
the
experience
as
it
has
had
a
big
impact
on
my
life.
As
of
this
writing
I
am
90
years young and living in Albuquerque, N.M.
Email
Bill Fry
Last Updated: 26 May 2020 08:52
Willima (bill) Fry
adak scrapbook 1943-1944
Aleutian Islands, Adak & Kiska Memories by
Bill Fry 1943/44
69th Coast Artillery-Automatic Weapons
At
Fort
Ord,
Ca.
we
were
issued
arctic
clothing
before
we
boarded
a
train
for
San
Francisco
and
directly
to
dockside
of
our
troop
ship.
There
was
no
way
for
anyone
to
let
our
loved
ones
know
our
whereabouts.
It
was
about
a
10
day
zigzag
trip
through
a
heavy
Williwaw
storm,
an
introduction
to
what
we
would
experience
later
on
the
Island
of
Kiska.
Our
first
stop
was
Adak
Island
where
we
would
receive
training
how
to
fight
on
tundra
covered
hillsides
with
very
few
boulders,
no
trees
or
natural
terrain
for
cover.
Adak
was
already
established
and
secured
as
an
all
service
military
base.
The
airport,
I
was
told,
was
previously
a
lake
and
after
sounding
the
bottom
found
it
to
be
fairly
level
so
it
was
drained
into
the
ocean.
It
was
shaped
into
a
sizable
air
field
with
landing
mats
[PCP]
for
runways
and
taxiways.
I
thought
that
was
a
good
piece
of
engineering
and
was
of
special
interest
to
me
as
that
is
what
I
became
under
the
GI Bill after the war.
We
stayed
there
for
several
weeks
getting
accustomed
to
the
strange
environment.
We
set
up
our
guns
in
a
wide
open
area
with
a
good
sweeping
view
to
be
on
the
look
out
for
enemy
planes.
Never
saw
a
Japanese
plane,
but,
we
did
get
to
practice
tracking
our
own
SBD
dive
bombers
as
they
arrived
by
island
hopping
or
from
carriers.
One
day
one
came
in
very
low,
so
low
it
appeared
to
be
on
a
crash
course
and
sure
enough
it
crashed
about
200
feet
behind
our
bivouacked
area.
Something
actuated
the
planes
machine
guns.
The
tundra
was
quite
heavy
with
very
little
noise.
Some
of
our
people
were
in
their
tents
and
only
heard
gun
fire
and
thought
the
Japanese
had
arrived.
They
came
out
of
the
tents
with
rifles
ready
only
to
find
what
had
happened.
Several
rushed
to
see
if
they
could
help
the
pilot.
Sure
enough
they
were
able
to
rescue
him.
He
survived
but
pretty
well
bruised.
The
tundra
cushioned
the
impact.
There
were
a
few
guys
sitting
on
the
multiple
holed
latrines
who
came
running
out
without
completing
the
paper
work
or
buttoning
up.
It
was
a
funny
sight
for
those
of
us
watching
as
we
were
aware
of
the situation.
It
all
happened
very
quickly.
Needless
to
say
there
were
a
lot
of
mixed
emotions
for
awhile.
One
day
we
had
a
pretty
strong
wind
but
no
matter
the
weather
if
“you
gotta
go”,
you
go.
I
was
one
that
had
to
go
and
while
sitting
to
get
the
job
done
one
guy
had
just
finished
the
paper
work.
The
latrine
was
covered
with
a
four
sided
tent
with
side
flaps
pulled
up
over
the
ends
of
the
wooden
multiple
holes
for
ventilation.
The
fellow
that
had
just
finished
the
paperwork,
dropped
the
paper
in
the
hole
and
soon
the
wind
blew
it
up
thru
an
empty
hole,
circled
around
and
stuck
him
on
the
face.
It
seemed
like
there
were
funny
situations
happening
now
and
then
where
we
had
a
good
laugh.
I
really
believe
that
servicemen
were
blessed
with
a sense of humor to help break built up anxieties.
Adak
was
a
very
busy
port
due
to
the
build
up
in
preparation
for
the
invasion
of
Kiska.
Weather
was
fairly
good
so
pilots
flying
shuttle
bombing
of
Kiska
via
Attu
but
during
inclement
weather
it
was
tricky
finding
their
home
field
without
instrument
assistance.
We
had
training
that
was
mostly
how
to
deal
with
the
terrain
and
the
elements.
Tundra
was
difficult
to
move
around
in
quickly.
It
was
wonderful
as
a
mattress
for
sleeping.
It
was
good
as
camouflage
material.
The
only
protection
from
enemy
fire
was
digging
fox
holes
and
that
was
a
big
problem
as
the
soil
was
always
saturated
with
water
that
had
to
be
bailed
out
often.
The
helmets
were
a
readily
available vessel to scoop with.
We
hoped
we
wouldn’t
have
to
use
the
fox
hole
as
they
would
be
easy
to
spot
by
the
enemy.
Fortunately
we
never
had
to
do
that,
to
be
explained later.
The
day
came
to
depart
for
the
invasion.
My
gun
squad
and
others
set
our
guns
on
the
top
deck
of
the
ship
we
came
on.
We
were
to
watch
for
low
flying
aircraft
that
might
be
aiming
at
our
ship.
Other
gun
squads
set
up
on
shore
to
protect
troops
and
supply
dumps.
We
never
saw
any
enemy
airplanes,
Now
the
wait
began,
wondering
how
things
were
going
on
the
island
(Kiska).
Once
a
day
the
Chaplain
would
come
by
and
give
a
report.
I
think
it
was
the
second
day
he
reported
the
ground
troops
had
encountered
small
arms
fire;
about
the
third
day
we
got
a
report
that
there
were
some
casualties.
As
it
turned
out
those
casualties
were
the
result
of
some
one
firing
blindly
causing
others
to
get
“trigger
happy”,
setting
off
panic.
We
heard
there
were
about
150
friendly
troops
killed.
It
was
soon
discovered
that
there
were
no
Japanese
on
the
island.
The
theory
was
that
they
had
been
evacuated
by
submarine
as
the
island
had
been
surrounded
for
a
long
time
by
the
Navy.
Our
Navy
had
not
sounded
the
waters.
The
Japanese
apparently
had
and
found
the
necessary
passages
to
escape undetected. This was the report we got.
Needless
to
say
the
commanders
had
mixed
feelings
about
it
but
the
troops
feelings
were
one
of
celebration.
It
was
now
a
time
to
wait
for
further
orders.
While
waiting
the
Chaplain
came
by
the
ship
and
told
us
that
our
Captain
and
two
lieutenants
were
missing.
So
our
1st
lieutenant
and
some
sergeants
went
looking
for
them.
They
were
found
safe
in
a
cave
with
food
and
ammunition.
This
discovery
spread
like
wild
fire
within
our
organization.
It
was
amazing
no
one
ever
reported
it
to
higher
authorities
even
when
we
returned
to
the
states
(48
at
that
time.)I’m
not
sure
what
it
was
that
we
all
seemed
to
join
in
a
secret
pact
to
not
let
it
be
known
to
higher
authorities.
Whether
it
was
esprit-de-corps
or
just
watching
the
captain
sweat.
It
was
a
situation
where
it
was
the
rank
that was honored.
When
it
was
determined
the
island
was
secure
we
set
up
in
gun
positions
at
strategic
points
around
the
island
in
the
typical
army
4-sided
tents.
We
had
to
dig
our
tents
in
the
hillside
near
the
gun
positions.
One
day
we
were
digging
and
decided
to
take
a
break.
During
the
break
we
heard
explosions,
but
knew
to
expect
them
as
the
ordinance
people
were
locating
dud
bombs
from
the
bombings
and
shelling
of
the
island
prior
to
the
invasion so thought nothing of it.
Well,
when
we
went
back
to
our
digging
I
started
to
dig
and
my
pick
hit
something
metal.
I
discovered
a
piece
of
shrapnel
about
a
foot
long
and
2
inches
in
diameter.
It
had
a
fresh
break
look
to
it.
And
we
had
heard
a
whistling
sound
right
after
one
of
the
explosions.
I
didn’t
look
to
see
if
my
number
was
on
it.
I
just
offered
a
prayer of thanks
The
weather
wasn’t
all
that
cold
but
we
had
to
be
aware
of
the
Williwaws.
And
we
did
get
one.
We
anchored
our
tents
in
four
directions
with
cables
and
built
parapets
around
the
tents
and
above
the
flat
sides
so
that
about
3
feet
of
the
peak
of
the
tent
was
above
the
parapet.
One
time
we
got
a
12
inch
snow,
but
was
followed
by
rain
that
left
a
quagmire
where
the
tundra
had
been
removed
for
roads,
etc.
All
vehicles
had
to
be
tracked.
Wheeled vehicles were useless.
After
one
snowstorm
Kiska
and
surrounding
visible
volcanic
peaks
were
all
covered.
There
was
the
most
beautiful
sight.
There
was
no
moon,
but
the
white
peaks
were
rising
out
of
the
ink-black
ocean.
There
wasn’t
a
sound
and
the
stillness
left
a
feeling
of
peace
and
calm.
The
thoughts
of
a
world at war could not invade the moment.
I
have
experienced
many
beautiful
scenes
of
God’s
creation
with
unbelievable
color
and
I
am
always
left
with
a
feeling
of
awe.
The
one
I
described
of
Kiska,
in
black
and
white,
has
given
me
a
mental
picture that I cannot adequately describe.
I
was
very
fortunate
to
escape
action
and
was
glad
to
experience
that
part
of
the
world.
An
image
that will always be with me.
We
left
Kiska
Christmas
eve
1943
and
had
Christmas
dinner
aboard
ship
in
Dutch
Harbor.
On
to
Kodiak
Alaska
for
about
4
months
and
then
back
to
Seattle,
Camp
Hahn
Ca.;
then
to
Mississippi
to
be
trained
as
combat
engineers.
In
the
spring
of
1945
we
went
to
France
where
two
weeks
later
the
Germans surrendered.
On
to
Marseille
France
to
wait
for
a
ship
to
take
us
to
the
Philippines
for
the
invasion
of
Japan.
Then
they
dropped
the
“A-bomb”.
Back
to
the
good
old USA for discharge.
I
never
had
to
shoot
at
anyone
and
never
got
shot
at
for
which
I
will
ever
be
thankful.
There
was
a
time
I
felt
guilty
that
I
escaped
action
and
some
of
my
friends
didn’t
and
some
gave
their
lives.
I
finally
realized
that
I
was
a
draftee
and
my
life
was in the hands of “others”.
I
am
grateful
for
the
experience
as
it
has
had
a
big
impact
on
my
life.
As
of
this
writing
I
am
90
years young and living in Albuquerque, N.M.
Email
Bill Fry
Last Updated: 26 May 2020 08:52
Originally Published: 30 May 2008