Last to Die
Page 24
By the time I made that resolution I had already amassed several file cabinets full of pertinent information—official records, personal narratives, photographs, interview transcriptions, and, of course, reams of data on the aircraft with which Tony’s life was briefly but inextricably linked, the B-32. But I knew I needed more, so I and my very able and dogged researchers, Thomas Culbert and Tetsuya Yamada, combed archives all over the United States and in Japan for any and all documents that might further illuminate the many aspects of this story. Although I could not personally examine a B-32—they were all scrapped soon after the war—I did go flying in the Collings Foundation’s beautifully restored B-24 Liberator, the type of bomber Tony first crewed on and the basis of the F-7 in which he flew combat missions from the Philippines. That experience, combined with several previous flights in various B-17 Flying Fortresses, gave me insights about the conditions under which Tony and thousands of young airmen like him had to live and work. One especially insightful moment during the B-24 flight occurred as I stood at the left waist gunner’s position, gazing out at the passing landscape with my hands resting on the twin grips of a .50-caliber machine gun. It suddenly struck me that I had a picture of Tony doing exactly the same thing—and for a moment I felt as though I had connected with him in some inexplicable way, despite the years and the distance.
In the end, of course, both the reporter and the historian—if they are serious about their craft—must put an end to the research and get the story on paper in the most honest, accurate, and complete way possible. I have attempted so to do, and I hope that Tony Marchione would approve of the end result.
Stephen Harding
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
OVER THE COURSE OF my thirty-year search for information that would enable me to write the most accurate and complete account of the events surrounding the August 18, 1945, air combat over Tokyo that resulted in Tony Marchione’s death I have been ably and generously assisted by a number of people. I sincerely appreciate their willingness to share documents, expertise, and memories with me, often despite the inconvenience and even emotional distress that cooperation caused. Any errors or omissions in this volume are, of course, mine alone.
First and foremost I wish to thank my most wonderful and truly amazing wife and muse, Margaret Spragins Harding. This book, and those that came before it, would not have been possible without her insight, intelligence, and unwavering support. Partner, best friend, assistant interviewer, and occasional translator, she is quite simply the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I would also like to thank aviation historian and illustrator James I. Long, with whom I once coauthored a small red book about the B-32 Dominator. That long-ago collaboration marked my introduction to Tony Marchione, and Jim’s help and guidance over the years have been absolutely essential in my quest to tell the young airman’s story in as accurate and honest a way possible.
Special thanks must also go to Theresa Marchione Sell and Geraldine Marchione Young, Tony’s sisters. They provided extremely important and valuable documents and photographs, and gladly spoke at length about Tony despite the obvious sadness the reminiscences caused. They gladly opened their hearts to my wife and me when we visited Pottstown, as did Debra McNamara, Gerry’s daughter.
I am also deeply indebted to the former members of the 20th Reconnaissance Squadron, 386th Bombardment Squadron, and 312th Bombardment Group (whose names are listed in the Bibliography) who patiently endured my many questions and who consented to interviews that have proved absolutely essential. Most have since passed away, but I believe their voices, speaking through this volume, will echo for years to come.
My sincere thanks also go to my agent, Scott Mendel, for his unwavering support and expert guidance; and to Robert Pigeon, my editor at Da Capo, for his continuing friendship and expert assistance in shaping and improving this manuscript—and those we both hope will follow it.
I would also like to thank:
My friends and colleagues at World History Group’s Military History magazine: David Lauterborn, ace managing editor; Brian Walker, quite possibly the world’s best art director; Sarah Cokeley, a delight of a senior editor who is destined one day to rule the publishing world; and Jennifer Berry, hands-down the best photo editor on the planet. No editor could ask for a better and more supportive staff.
Thomas Culbert, for his expert research on my behalf at institutions ranging from the National Archives to the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency to the Harry S. Truman Library.
Tetsuya Yamada, for his research in Japanese-language sources and expert translations. That Tetsuya lives in the small California town where I was born and that I left many years ago is one of those delightfully unexpected coincidences that life sometimes produces.
Henry Sakaida and Osamu “Sam” Tagaya, noted historians of World War II Japanese military aviation, who happily shared both their expertise on a host of topics and copies of documents that were simply unavailable elsewhere.
Chuck Varney, son of a 20th Combat Mapping Squadron veteran and founder of the unit’s very useful website, for his willingness to share time, information, and insights about the unit and its members, aircraft, and operations. His wide-ranging and in-depth knowledge of World War II aerial reconnaissance cameras and related systems was especially useful.
James Zobel, of the MacArthur Library in Norfolk, Virginia, and David Clark of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, for their tireless archival research assistance.
Paul Hoversten, of Smithsonian’s Air & Space magazine, for his willingness to publish my article on Tony and the August 18 events.
And Richard Lacharite, for his willingness to share information about, and photos of, his father, wounded aerial photographer Joe Lacharite.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PRIMARY SOURCES
Official Documents
Documents obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration’s Modern Military Records Center in College Park, Maryland, are cited as NARA-MMRC; those obtained from NARA’s National Personnel Records center in St. Louis, Missouri, are cited as NARA-NPRC. Other sources are as noted.
A History of Air Proving Ground Command Testing of the B-32, September 1944–October 1945. Two volumes, U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.
Airplane Commander Training Manual for the B-32 (AAF Manual 51-126-7). HQs., Army Air Forces, 5 March 1945. USAFHRA, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Awards for Combat Crew, Mission 230-A-8. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 19 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Combat Test of the B-32 Airplane. Col. Frank Cook to Commanding General, V Bomber Command, July 17, 1945. USAFHRA, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Commander-in-Chief’s Daily Intelligence Summary, 17/18 August 1945. Military Intelligence Section, General Staff, Headquarters, United States Army Forces Pacific, 18 August 1945. MacArthur Archives, MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk, VA.
Final Mission Report, Mission 190-Z-1, 9 July 1945. Office of the S-2, 20th Reconnaissance Squadron (LR, P-RCM), 9 July 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 226-A-6, 14 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 15 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 227-A-6, 15 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 15 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 228-A-8, 16 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 16 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 229-A-10, 17 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 17 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 230-A-8, 18 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 19 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 237-A-10, 25 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 25 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report, Mission 240-A-5, 28 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 28 Augus
t 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Final Mission Report—Supplement, Mission 240-A-5, 28 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 28 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Flexible Gunnery Training in the AAF. Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Intelligence, Historical Section, March 1945. USAFHRA, Maxwell AFB, AL.
General Order No. 2148, Award Citation, SSgt. Joseph M. Lacherite [sic] and Sgt. Anthonty [sic] Marchione. HQs., Far Eastern Air Forces, 27 October 1945. USAFHRA, Maxwell AFB, AL.
History, 6th Photographic Group, Reconnaissance. Monthly reports, 1 March 1944 through 30 September 1945. NARA-NPRC.
Individual Deceased Personnel File, Sgt. Anthony J. Marchione. The Adjutant General’s Office, U.S. Army, Washington, DC, 1948. NARA-NPRC.
Individual Deceased Personnel File, Sgt. Morris C. Morgan. The Adjutant General’s Office, U.S. Army, Washington, DC, 1948. NARA-NPRC.
Individual Deceased Personnel File, SSgt. George A. Murphy. The Adjutant General’s Office, U.S. Army, Washington, DC, 1948. NARA-NPRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 149-A-11, 29 May 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 30 May 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 163-A-6, 12 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 13 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 164-A-13, 13 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 14 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 166-A-6, 15 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 16 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 167-A-7, 16 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 17 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 169-A-4, 17/18 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 18 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 170-A-3, 19 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 20 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 171-A-3, 20 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 21 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 171-A-3, 20 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 21 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 173-A-3, 22 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 23 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 175-A-6, 23/24 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 24 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 176-A-1, 25 June 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 26 June 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 225-A-6, Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 15 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 226-A-6, Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 15 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 227-A-6, Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 16 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 229-A-10, 17 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 20 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Mission Report, Mission 230-A-8, 18 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 20 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Narrative Unit History, 386th Bombardment Squadron, July-August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 2 September 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Pilot’s Flight Operating Instructions for Army Model B-32 (AN 01-5EQ-1). HQs., AAF, 5 March 1945. USAFHRA, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Report on Special Project 98269S. Lt. Col. Stephen D. McElroy to Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, July 2, 1945. USAFHRA, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Report to USAAF Proving Ground Command on the Combat Test of the B-32 Airplane. Major Henry S. Britt, Aug. 2, 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Reports of General MacArthur: The Campaigns of MacArthur in the Pacific, Vol. I, General Staff, GHQ, Tokyo, 1950. U.S. Army Center of Military History, Fory Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC.
Reports of General MacArthur: Volume I Supplement, The Occupation: Military Phase, General Staff, GHQ, Tokyo, 1950. U.S. Army Center of Military History, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC.
Summary of Accidents and Losses, 17–28 August 1945. Office of the S-2, 386th Bombardment Squadron, 28 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
United States Strategic Bombing Survey, Summary Report (Pacific War), July 1, 1946, NARA-MMRC.
USS Aulick (DD-569), Deck Log, 28 August–3 September 1945. NARA-MMRC.
USS John D. Henley (DD-553), Deck Log, 28 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
USS John D. Henley (DD-553), War Diary, 24–31 August 1945. NARA-MMRC.
Interviews
Amster, Howard J. 386th Bombardment Squadron. Audio-recorded March 16, 1997.
Anderson, John R. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 28, 1997.
Blackburn, John. 386th BS. Audio-recorded June 25, 1998.
Cook, Frank R. B-32 Combat Test Detachment. Audio-recorded July 12, 1998.
Chevalier, Frederick C. 312th Bombardment Group. Audio-recorded Feb. 24, 1997.
Houston, John T. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 28, 1997.
Keller, Burton J. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 24, 1997.
Klein, James L. 386th BS. Audio-recorded July 12, 1998.
Lacharite, Joseph. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 6, 1997.
Pallone, Frank J. Sr. 20th Reconnaissance Squadron. Audio-recorded Sep. 15, 1998.
Pugliese, Rudolph. 312th BG. Audio-recorded Feb. 1, 1997.
Rupke, Kurt F. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 5, 1997.
Russell, Robert. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 16, 1999.
Sell, Theresa. Sister of Anthony Marchione. Audio-recorded Feb. 1, 1997.
Svore, Ferdinand L. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 12, 1997.
Thomas, Richard E. 386th BS. Audio-recorded Feb. 28, 1997.
Wells, Selmon. 312th BG. Audio-recorded July 13, 1998.
Zimmerman, Kent. 386th BS. Conducted via email, Nov. 28, 2000.
SECONDARY SOURCES
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