In His Own Words - January 23, 1944 to February 12, 1944 arriving at New Caledonia

Port at New Caledonia

Daddy describes his trip from the United States into the Pacific Theater.

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Q: SS President Tyler, must have...that was..
A: ...the Merchant Marine ship.

Q: That you shipped out January 23, 1944...and you arrived in New Caledonia February 12, 1944.  You were in World War II, and...where exactly did you go, Daddy?
A: We went from San Diego to New Caledonia and then over to Guadalcanal.  Fell in the 1st Division as replacements for those that had been shot, wounded or what have you.

Q: How long did it...looks like you went from...it looks like it took you about 3 weeks to get to New Caledonia aboard the...
A: Yeah, because see, that thing automatically changed course.  We didn't have any kind of escort. No submarines, destroyers or anything, but at night if you were up on the deck, you could see the thing every 15 minutes change direction.

Q: The ship?
A: Mmm Hmm.

Q: That was to avoid the...Japanese submarines?
A: Well, supposedly; I didn't think it was much of an escort, though.  You know there were some submarines out in there somewhere.

Q: How many people were on board the ship?
A: I think there were supposedly 1200 Marines and 200 Merchant Marines.

Q: And what was the food like on the ship?
A: I did not eat with the troops; I ate with a group of the Merchant Marines. It was very good; we had milk and ice cream two weeks out from San Diego.

Q: And how were you chosen to eat with the Merchant Marines?
A: I cannot tell you; I just...draw of luck, I guess.